President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday called on Chief Justice David Maraga to step up and weed out corrupt individuals in the Judiciary saying no one is immune.
Speaking at the Supreme Court during the release of the 2017-2018 annual Judiciary report, President Kenyatta noted that the Judiciary is not immune to corruption adding there are known culprits who exploit the court process to escape the rule of law.
“Gate keeping and brokering of justice is all too common and in its wake are broken and suffering Kenyans as impunity wreaks havoc in their livelihoods and their health,” said President Kenyatta.
The Head of State noted a growing feeling based on perceptions that judicial officers are beyond the reach of the law and are using the law to protect individuals from the law an act he termed as a profound assault on justice.
“A crook is a crook, whether in a Judge or advocate’s robe and should not be treated any different, if anything the Judiciary should hold itself to a much higher standard,” said Kenyatta.
The president said that Kenyans from all over the country hunger to live in a fair country where rules apply to everyone.
While addressing public uproar from Kenyans over corruption, the Head of State urged the Judiciary to refrain from applying one standard for others and a different one for itself.
“Kenyans read and Kenyans see and if we don’t act, the people will act and that’s not where we want to go,” said the President.
While reiterating his respect for the judiciary’s freedom, Mr. Kenyatta urged the Judiciary to respect and uphold the Constitution.
He also urged all arms of government to work together in an effort to rid the country of corruption.
“Kenyans are crying for action against those misappropriating public resources, protection from terrorists and justice to be done and not only done but seen to be done,” said Mr. Kenyatta.