Chief Justice(CJ) David Maraga on Monday opened up on several frustrations directed to the Judiciary by President Uhuru Kenyatta-led government.
The CJ, who was addressing the budget cuts, revealed that the government had treated the Judiciary contemptuously on some instances.
In what appeared like fade-up-address to the media, Maraga gave a blow by blow account of how the government has been biased on them even on the privileges accorded to theJudiciary by the constitution.
Official vehicle
The Chief Justice revealed that despite being entitled to a high-end vehicle, the government dismissed their application for the same citing wastage of resources.
“When we applied for Mercedes we were told we dont want wastages, you to keep the minimum of 2500cc.
“It is wastage to buy the CJ a Mercedes 500 but it is not a wastage to buy the two speakers of the National and Senate Assemblies a Mercedes 500,” said the Chief Justice.
Traffic clearance
Mariga laughed off an attempt by the government to withdraw police traffic clearance for the CJ saying it was shocking to accord junior government officers the same privilege and ignore him.
He slammed the reason given about the matter ostensibly insinuating that it was unrealistic for the government to suggest that the plan was a mistake.
“You heard recently that there was a plan to withdraw traffic clearance for the CJ. But that privilege was given to very junior government officers.
“And you are told that it was a mistake. A mistake? That is very interesting,” posed Maraga.
Respect
The CJ said his office is not accorded the respect it deserves and went ahead to reveal that he has been going to state functions without proper invitation.
Also, Maraga cited breach of protocol during state functions where he said junior government officers are served ahead of him.
“CSs and PSs are cleared to enter State House before the CJ. The CJ has got to wait.
“During the Mashujaa Day, the CJ was allowed to enter the dais through a sidewalk and the MC did not acknowledge his arrival but he did it to other people,” added Maraga.
On the matter, Maraga has threatened to boycott some state functions unless his office is treated with the dignity it deserves.
VIP lounge at JKIA
Maraga has revealed that, contrary to the dictates of the constitution, he has been denied access to VIP lounge at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport(JKIA) on many occasions with officers at the airport telling him that the room has been preserved for the Deputy President William Ruto.
The CJ, however, said he had no issue with that but questioned why fellow CJs from other countries visiting Kenya had to go through a similar experience.
“The VIP lodge I am told is permanently locked and preserved for the DP…I am not bothered about that but my problem is this; there are times I receive very important visitors, Where do you want me to take them?” posed Maraga
Visitors Treatment
Maraga has also revealed that his fellow CJs from other countries are not given a treat they deserve despite being state visitors.
“I have received fellow Chief Justices in this country before… at one incident a passenger had to vacate a seat for my visiting CJ yet in their countries I am treated very well,” said Maraga.
At another instance, the CJ recounted when East African CJs visited him in Nairobi and he was denied protocol vehicles facilitate their movements in the country.
“I had five CJs from East Africa, on what we call the CJ forum.
“We requested for the Mercedes protocol cars that transport high ranking state officers. But they were availed to us,” added Maraga.
Besides the ‘harsh’ treatment his office has received, Maraga has remained adamant that he will not be cowed by the intimidation saying he will not quit.
He bashed the budget cuts saying they are illegal and demanded the government to give them sufficient funds to facilitate effective operations of the Judiciary.