This archive report was first published on 6 November 2019.
As the Kenyan government considers budget cuts, a group of lawyers has come to the defence of Chief Justice David Maraga and the Judiciary, warning that the move could have far-reaching consequences for the courts.
According to a judge who wished to remain anonymous, if the budget cuts are implemented by December, the Judiciary's gains could be reversed, leaving the courts without essential supplies such as stationery and car fuel.
Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen has expressed his support for the CJ and the Judiciary, stating that they 'have teeth and should bite'. He also tweeted, 'You (Maraga) gave your tormentors an inch and they want a mile. Lead.'
City lawyer Donald B Kipkorir has also thrown his weight behind the CJ, saying, 'Your Lordship the Chief Justice, we are in your corner. We rather lose the Country than lose the independence of the Judiciary.'
However, not all lawyers are in agreement. Nelson Havi has accused the CJ of being wrong to 'go to bed with the Executive', while Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi has criticized the CJ's priorities, saying that the Judiciary is facing a more serious threat from corrupt judges and the Executive.
