CJ Maraga defends judiciary’s autonomy, faults inclusion in Executive Order

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 4 – Chief Justice David Maraga on Thursday defended Judiciary’s autonomy from the National Executive faulting an Executive Order issued on May 11 under which the judicial arm was listed in a re-calibrated government structure.

In a statement to newsrooms, Maraga noted whereas the Constitution empowers the President to direct and coordinate government ministries and departments, such powers as vested under Article 132 are only applicable to the executive arm of government.

The Chief Justice also asserted the autonomy of the Judicial Service Commission which he chairs affirming its independence under Article 171.

Maraga said he hoped the reference to the Judiciary and the Judicial Service Commission in the Executive Order was made inadvertently further urging President Kenyatta to promptly issue a correction to avoid confusion especially among members of the public.