Corruption Will Be Dealt With – Chief Justice Maraga

Chief Justice David Maraga has once again assured Kenyans that corruption will be dealt with uniformly and that judiciary will not derail the process.

Speaking while officially opening the Law Society of Kenya Annual Conference happening in Mombasa, the CJ said that for the country to move forward, corruption has to be dealt with.

He assured lawyers during the first day of the conference that no case will be allowed to drag. “For the growth of our economy to be able to compete globally and efficiently, we must ensure that the rule of law, speedy implementation of justice is done and done with efficacy,” he said.

He challenged the investigative bodies to do a good job and present hard evidence before the court. “If evidence is adduced, they will be convicted, if evidence is not adduced, they will be acquitted, but we will not allow cases to drag on and on.”

To make the hearing of cases easy and faster, the CJ said that judges will be flown to other counties to hear cases. He reiterated that those found guilty will not escape the law and will be punished.

READ: LSK Annual Conference Kicks Off in Mombasa

The CJ also lamented on Treasury’s decision to cut down the budget of the Judiciary by almost half saying that the most functions of the third arm of government will be affected. He said for the judiciary to function normally, at least 1.5 or 2.5 of the country’s budget should be allocated to it.

“Let the parliament realize that judiciary offers critical services and should be facilitated to do its work. Budget allocation to the Judiciary is minimal and it hampers the courts’ operation. With money, we can improve the situation by buildings washroom in courts,” he said.

The LSK’s annual event is expected to come to an end on 12th of August at Leisure Lodge Resort in Mombasa.