This archive report was first published on 5 November 2019.
On November 4, 2019, Chief Justice David Maraga expressed his concerns to President Uhuru Kenyatta about the Judiciary's budget cut, which was affecting its daily operations, including basic necessities like WiFi.
Embakasi East legislator Babu Owino, a vocal supporter of the Judiciary, quickly came to the defense of the embattled CJ Maraga. In a statement, Babu Owino urged leaders to exercise wisdom and sobriety for the sake of the people of Kenya, saying, 'When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.'
Babu Owino also cautioned leaders against fueling the rift between the Judiciary and Executive, warning that ordinary citizens would be affected in the long run. He emphasized the importance of respecting the institution and the individual, stating, 'The Chief Justice is a senior and respected member of our society and we will protect both the institution and the individual by hook or by crook! CJ must be respected.'
By sending a personal plea message to President Kenyatta, Babu Owino hoped to appeal to the leaders' sense of responsibility and urge them to put the country's interests first.
