This archive report was first published on 4 November 2019.
Kenya's Chief Justice David Maraga has aired his frustrations over what he views as belittling, under-appreciation, and mistreatment of his office and the Judiciary.
During a morning press briefing on November 4, 2019, the CJ shared his frustrations with Kenyans, stating that the Judiciary has been treated and continues to be treated contemptuously.
Maraga cited several incidents that he believes demean the Judiciary, including being denied a Mercedes car, despite each of the two speakers of the parliament having been assigned one.
He also claimed that his request to have the high-end ride was turned down with frugality being used as an excuse, and that he was told to keep to the minimum of 2500cc engines.
Additionally, Maraga stated that he was accorded "very junior government officials" to clear roads for him, and that he was told that was a mistake.
He further complained about his presence being ignored during the October 20 Mashujaa Day celebrations and being barred from accessing the VIP lounge at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Maraga also expressed his frustration over being treated differently in other countries, stating that when he goes to other countries, he is treated very well and he wonders what is happening in his own country.
Two years since President Uhuru Kenyatta publicly swore to "fix" the judiciary after the nullification of his 2017 election victory, the Chief Justice now says there is a plot to kick him out of his office.
Maraga has accused some ministers, principal secretaries, and other mandarins of crippling the judiciary because the courts did not favour them in tender and procurement cases.
He rubbished claims from some government officials to have judges and magistrates vetted despite being vetted twice since he assumed office.
According to Maraga, the mistreatment from the Executive is an attempt to control the judiciary, and he vowed that the Judiciary will not be puppets.
