Kindiki Message to Judiciary in First Speech As Deputy President
New Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Monday, November 4, issued a subtle challenge to the Supreme Court during the official opening of the Supreme Court of Kenya’s twelfth Jurisprudential Conference in Nairobi.
While referencing Chapter 238 of the 2010 constitution which addresses national security, Kindiki outlined that at times, the Judiciary’s focus on addressing public interest could come at the expense of national welfare.
He added, “Other than the parameters and the principles of the court help us to understand the public interest, are there other higher values and principles which are crucial to the existence of Kenya? Because the public can do the wrong things which threaten the existence of the state. That is the dead front of jurisprudence I want us to think about
The new DP admitted his sentiments had hints of bias since he was in the country’s security docket for two years, but insisted that there was a need for the courts to protect ‘higher interests’ while conducting their mandate.
He stated,” I remember during the COVID-19 time, the Supreme Court made judgement more efficient even when locked down by this pandemic. Even after COVID-19, it is now certain that the way of the future is through virtual. The Supreme Court has done a good job,”
He added, “The only little thing that progress needs to be done is the issue of physical facilities for the courts. The Supreme Court needs to make sure they have a modern physical infrastructure for delivering justice.”
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