Cases will not derail elections, CJ Maraga says

Chief Justice David Maraga arrives in Homa Bay county on June 22, 2017. He has said the Judiciary will not make any decision that may lead to the change of the date of the General Election. PHOTO | BARACK ODUOR | NATION MEDIA GROUP

By  BARACK ODUOR

What you need to know:

  • The CJ assured Kenyans that the Judiciary will strive to ensure the General Election takes place as scheduled.
  • Justice Maraga told Kenyans to have confidence in the work of the judiciary.
  • The CJ said they intend to create equality between the National and the county governments.

Chief Justice David Maraga has ruled out the possibility of postponing the August 8 elections due to poll-related court cases.

Justice Maraga said the Judiciary will not make any decision that may lead to the change of the date of the General Election.

His comments come as the National Supper Alliance (Nasa) filed a petition over the tendering and printing of ballot papers by Al Ghurair of Dubai.

Also Read

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new Sh367 million court building in Homa Bay town on Thursday, the Chief Justice assured Kenyans that the Judiciary will strive to ensure the General Election takes place as scheduled.

SCHEDULED DATE

“The judiciary is ready to handle all matters regarding the August 8 General Election and hence every Kenyan with grievances are welcome to file petitions,” said Justice Maraga.

He said they will handle the cases in accordance with the law but they will consider the date of elections.

“We are going to handle all cases based on evidence in accordance with the law and the required speed,” said Justice Maraga.

He called for cooperation among politicians to ensure Kenyans go to the polls as scheduled.

Justice Maraga told Kenyans to have confidence in the work of the Judiciary.

EQUAL PROMINENCE

The Chief Justice said all cases involving county governments will be handled with "additional speed" than those filed by individuals.

He argued that a county government represents the interests of many people and cases involving it and other parties should be expedited.

“We cannot give equal prominence to a case involving an interest of an individual to another one involving the interests of many people,” he said.

He said the Judiciary had waived fees paid by county governments in filing cases.

SUPPORT DEVOLUTION

The CJ said they intend to create equality between the national and the county governments.

“You know very well that the national government does not pay court filing fees. The county government is also a government and hence we will serve them equally in court fees,” said Justice Maraga.

The CJ added that the Judiciary is committed to supporting devolution to enable Kenyans to enjoy its fruits.

In the headlines