This archive report was first published on 6 November 2019.
On November 6, 2019, Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yattani expressed shock over Chief Justice David Maraga's recent outbursts on national television regarding Judiciary budget cuts.
Speaking in an interview with a local TV, Mr Yatani said he had expected a more constructive approach from the president of the Supreme Court.
‘I was equally shocked at the kind of public address by the Judiciary,’ Mr Yatani said.
He suggested that the Judiciary should have sought a meeting with the Treasury to discuss the budget cuts, rather than airing their frustrations publicly.
‘What they should have done is just to seek an appointment here, we sit with them, take them through the journey and see areas we can mitigate,’ Mr Yatani said.
Mr Yatani also clarified that the Treasury had not reduced the budget for the Judiciary or the National Assembly, but had instead introduced austerity measures to ensure prudent use of resources.
‘I can confidently tell you we have not reduced the budget for the Judiciary or the National Assembly,’ he said.
He emphasized that the Treasury's move was aimed at ensuring that available resources were shared across all arms of government and their departments.
‘You can have your money, you can even carry it forward, but we will release money to you based on what we can afford at that period,’ he said.
