This archive report was first published on 14 October 2019.
On October 14, 2019, a man named Jonathan Munene filed a lawsuit against the State, claiming that the withdrawal of diplomatic passports from High Court judges and denial of access to VIP lounges at airports is discriminatory and a threat to judicial independence.
The lawsuit, which names Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, Immigration Services director Alexander Muteshi, and Attorney-General Paul Kihara Kariuki as defendants, seeks to quash a 2012 legal notice that directed the withdrawal of diplomatic passports and VIP lounge access for High Court judges.
According to the lawsuit, the 2012 legal notice, issued on June 15, 2012, listed government officials entitled to diplomatic passports and use of VIP lounges, but excluded High Court judges who had previously enjoyed these benefits.
Mr. Munene's lawyer, Albert Murambi, argued that the move is contrary to the law since all judges, regardless of the courts in which they serve, are of equal status.
“Unless this matter is heard and determined, the fabric of judicial independence, rule of law and general constitutional order will be subverted,” Mr. Murambi said.
The Kenya Judges Welfare Association has been listed as an interested party in the case.
