This archive report was first published on 19 June 2020.
Kenya's Judiciary in Crisis ¶
As the country grapples with corruption and economic challenges, the judiciary has come under intense scrutiny. Netizens have taken to social media to express their disappointment and frustration with the current state of the judiciary, calling for a thorough cleaning or even a complete overhaul of the top leadership.
The hashtag #SanitizeTheJudiciary has been trending on Twitter, with many Kenyans expressing their concerns about the perceived corruption and selective application of the law. The poor and powerless are seen as the major casualties, while the rich and powerful seem to walk unscathed.
Recently, banners were pinned on major roads in the city, highlighting the public's disappointment with the judiciary's handling of cases. Many Kenyans are also angered by the ease with which the wealthy and mighty secure cash bails and court bonds, while the poor and weak are left to struggle.
As one concerned netizen noted, 'To end corruption in both government and private agencies, it requires a stable and strong judicial system, but that's what we lack.' The judiciary's weakness has allowed looters to get away with their crimes, further eroding public trust.
Others have called for the amendment of the constitution to allow for the vetting of magistrates, ensuring that rogue judges and magistrates are removed from the system. The Chief Justice has been urged to stop favoring certain individuals in rulings, and to uphold the principles of justice and fairness.
As one Twitter user noted, 'Enough is enough, we must sanitize the judiciary for a better future.'
Publication Date: June 19, 2020
