CJ Mutunga vows to defend the constitution

By PAUL MUTUA

Kitui, Kenya: The Chief Justice has vowed to defend the constitution and serve all Kenyans without fear or discrimination.

Speaking in his Kitui home turf, Dr Willy Mutunga said the constitution was supreme and discharging his duties would be above masquerading and favourism.

Mutunga said the ongoing reforms in the judiciary could only thrive with support from the Executive and Parliament.

“No one should expect special treatment from me because of anything.  Residents in this Kitui County should as well not expect favours from me just because I come from this region”, said the CJ.

He was addressing guests at the Kitui Law Courts during the upgrading of the court to High court sub-registry.

Among those present were former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Kitui Governor Julius Malombe, Senator David Musila, MPs Bernard Kitungi (Mwingi West), Mutua Muluvi (Kitui East), Munuve Mati (Mwingi North), Kitui County Assembly Speaker George Ndotto, Machakos High Court resident Judge Mutende, Kitui Senior Principal Magistrate Alfred Kibiru, local Principal Magistrate Beatrice Kimemia among other senior judicial officials.

The CJ said plans were underway to employ more magistrates and judges to bridge the shortage and consequently handle the many pending criminal and civil cases.

Mutunga asked Kenyans to formulate alternative methods of pursuing justice other than in courts noting that court arbitration was not only expensive but also fueled hatred mainly in families.

''The snowballing family disputes are from court cases that can be settled by Kadhis, elders and other avenues without necessarily causing conflicts in the society”', said the Chief Justice.