This archive report was first published on 5 November 2019.
MP Babu Owino Urges Uhuru and CJ Maraga to Resolve Differences ¶
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has called on President Uhuru Kenyatta and Chief Justice David Maraga to resolve their differences amicably, warning that ordinary citizens will bear the brunt if the conflict between the Executive and Judiciary is not addressed.
According to Owino, the Judiciary and the Executive are crucial for the country's well-being, and any conflict between them could set the country on a collision course.
"I wish to appeal to my seniors, President Uhuru Kenyatta and Chief Justice David Maraga to exercise wisdom and sobriety for the sake of the people of Kenya. When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. This conflict between these two respected arms of government can only result in hardship for ordinary citizens," Owino said in a statement.
He also warned that the Constitution of Kenya 2010 establishes the offices of the President and the Chief Justice, and they exist to serve the people of Kenya, not individuals.
"The Constitution of Kenya 2010 establishes these offices and gives them the responsibilities that they bear. No one should think that the President or the Chief Justice is where they are by accident. These offices exist not to serve individuals but to serve the people of Kenya," Owino stated.
It is worth noting that the Judiciary had requested for KSh 31.2 billion funding from the exchequer but parliament allocated KSh 14.5 billion, which was later cut by the Treasury to KSh 11.5 billion.
Chief Justice Maraga has claimed that the cut was being pushed by people who were unhappy with the Judiciary's way of handling graft cases, and that there was a plot to kick him out of office by the end of 2019.
Maraga has also threatened to boycott state events if his office is not accorded the respect it deserves.
"I, therefore, caution all those who are hell bent on undermining this relationship for their own selfish gains. We will not stand by as you destroy this country. 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!" Owino concluded.
