STATEMENT BY MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT FOLLOWING DIRECT ATTACKS ON THE CHIEF JUSTICE DAVID MARAGA AND THE SUPREME COURT AFTER THE HISTORICAL RULING THAT NULLIFIED THE AUGUST 8TH PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
We take this chance, first and foremost to thank the great people of Kenya for their patience and resilience they have demonstrated throughout the electioneering period. Indeed, this is a momentous period in the history of our great nation in our pursuit of strengthening our democracy and institutions.
Of greater pride as a people is the Supreme Court ruling that nullified the August 8th presidential elections over irregularities that marred the exercise. We salute the country’s highest court led by Chief Justice David Kenani Maraga, also the president of the court, for their courage to defy the agents of impunity and those bent on negating the democratic gains so far painfully made over the years. Justice Maraga and his colleagues are the men and women that this country needs, patriots who will stand against all odds to defend the integrity and sovereignty of the people of Kenya.
It is sad, however, that as the country celebrates this historic ruling the Jubilee Party leadership led by President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto has led the chorus by a few disgruntled people in attacking the Chief Justice and other Judges of the Supreme Court. This must be condemned in the strongest terms possible.
The judiciary is an independent institution with a clear mandate which is to arbitrate and interpret the law. The Supreme Court is not an appendage of the executive and the presidency must be reminded as much.
May we remind President Kenyatta that his presidency in 2013 was upheld by the same court and it is unfortunate that he can now lead the chorus in hurling insults at the court. To the extent of referring the judges as ‘crooks’ is not just absurd but unfortunate coming from the Head of State who is supposed to portray the image of the symbol of unity.
It is catastrophic that the president has turned this into an attack of a particular community and even suggested they would deal with the Chief Justice. We want to put the Jubilee Party on notice that the Gusii community values it’s own and the attack on Justice Maraga is an attack on the community.
For the record, the Chief Justice is holding the office through a competitive process and merited the position and it was not a gift to the community as some jubilee operatives have purported.
A leader’s true conduct is known at a time of crisis or loss; I saw it with RAO in 2007, 2013 and much recently 2017.
Now I ask why is Mr. Uhuru acting so wild? If you indeed won,be humble and confirm it yet again in 60 days.
Right Honorable Raila Odinga was gracious and accepted the verdict of the court and it is the expectation that president Kenyatta does the same because as Senator Orengo said, the court is as wise today as it was in 2013.
Signed Sat. 2nd Sept. 2017
In Nairobi
Hon. Sylvanus Osoro – MP, South Mugirango
Hon. Samuel Atandi – MP, Alego Usonga
Hon. Jared Okello – MP, Nyando
Sen. Beatrice Kwamboka- Nominated ODM
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