Kenya: Chief Justice Raises Concern Over Threats to Judges

ALLAFRICA.COM
THE STAR [20/02/13]

Photo: Uhuru Kenyatta Campaign

Uhuru Kenyatta addresses supporters at a Jubilee rally in Mpeketoni.   

[SOURCE: http://allafrica.com]

Chief Justice Willy Mutunga has said that he has been intimidated by the executive. Speaking at a press conference today, the CJ revealed that he had received a threatening letter against judges, ambassadors and himself stating that the letter "warns against an adversarial ruling on the Presidential and Deputy Presidential candidacy of Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto."

The CJ also revealed that he was asked by an immigration officer at the JKIA to seek travel clearance from the Head of Civil Service Francis Kimemia a day after the letter was posted.

"I was stopped at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by an Immigration Officer, who insisted that I could not travel because I had not been cleared by Mr. Francis Kimemia, the Permanent Secretary, Head of the Public Service, and Secretary to the Cabinet." Mutunga said.

The CJ further asked Inspector General of police David Kimaiyo to take the necessary steps to protect judges from threats and intimidation so as not to give constitutional rulings. "The Judiciary will not flinch from interpreting the constitution as required. The constitution must be guarded jealously," He said.

Mutunga also said he was ready to give his life to protect the constitution: "I have given most of my life to a better Kenya and if taking it is what will be required to consolidate and secure our democratic gains in this election, or even thereafter, that is a price I am not afraid to pay," and urged Kenyans to vote in next months election stating that "with confidence and tribute to the nation, go and vote for our Constitution. It is the only way to reject those who threaten and proclaim violence as a false choice,"