BY SAM ALFAN.
Kenya Judges and Magistrate Association has strongly condemned continues attack on Judiciary by senior state officers.
KMJA Secretary General Derrick Kuto while addressing journalist at Milimani Law Court Building expressed concerns about the sustained and ill-advised public attacks and “directives” against the Judiciary as well as individual Judges and Magistrates.
“There is a wrong narrative being paddled that judiciary and judicial officers are an impediment in the war against corruption. That is far from the truth,” said Kutto.
Kutto also said Judges and Magistrates decide on cases based on evidence placed before court and the applicable law.
“All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty and no one should be condemned unheard. Convicting where there is no evidence is illegal,” added Kutto.
The SG said they will convict Where there has been evidence and not otherwise.
He further added that judges,Magistrate and Kadhi’s subscribes to an oath office to uphold the rule of law and to protect and defend the constitution. This also applies to other state officers in other arms of government.
He said bond terms are considered on a case basis and it is a constitutional right of every Kenyan.
“This of course is a complete departure from the infamous 1980’s and early 1990’s when bond was perceived to be at the behest of state. Kenyans are not ready to be taken back to back days,” said Kutto.
The association leaders said those dissatisfied with court decisions can also use other constitutional avenues of appeal.
KMJA President Judge Jacqueline Kamau assured the public they are committed in the fight against corruption and shall continue determining all cases on merit and uphold the rule of law.
“We invite other fellow countrymen to seek justice from our court. We shall dispense justice to them without fear or favour as we have always done,” said Judge Kamau.
They reiterated that they will handle many other cases despite their limited numbers.
