This archive report was first published on 8 June 2020.
On June 8, 2020, Chief Justice David Maraga expressed his frustration with the government's defiance of court orders, which he said undermines the rule of law and puts the country's constitutional democracy at risk.
Speaking at the Supreme Court, Maraga highlighted the Kariobangi evictions, where over 5,000 people were left homeless despite a court order, as an example of the government's disregard for the law.
"How can we expect God to bless our nation when we are so callous with the most desperate in our society?" Maraga wondered, emphasizing that the government's actions are a betrayal of the trust placed in it by citizens.
Maraga also expressed his disappointment over the stalled appointment of 41 judges proposed by the Judicial Service Commission in July 2019. Despite two court orders requiring the President to swear in the judges within 14 days, the President has refused to do so, citing integrity issues.
However, Maraga claims that he is not aware of any information that would justify the President's refusal to appoint the judges. He has challenged the Executive to provide evidence of any alleged integrity issues against the nominees.
Maraga's comments come as a warning to the government to respect the rule of law and uphold the Constitution. He emphasized that the government's actions have consequences and that it is the responsibility of the Executive to ensure that the law is upheld.
