Dr Willy Mutunga
By ASHLEY LIME, alime@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Sunday, July 3 2011 at 22:00
Posted Sunday, July 3 2011 at 22:00
More judges and magistrates will be recruited starting today in a bid to ease the backlog of cases in the courts.
Chief Justice Willy Mutunga also said judges will pay their taxes and announced that he and his deputy, Ms Nancy Baraza, will comply from this month.
“Starting on Monday (today), we will be recruiting more judges, magistrates, volunteer advocates and Commissioners of Assize to reduce the amount of work currently being handled in courts,” Dr Mutunga said.
“The backlog cannot be handled unless sufficient staffing is done,” he added.
“The backlog cannot be handled unless sufficient staffing is done,” he added.
Ms Baraza said that the backlog of cases had resulted in Kenyans waiting for judgment for close to 20 years.
She said a survey conducted by her department revealed that a huge number of cases have not been solved for years.
She said a survey conducted by her department revealed that a huge number of cases have not been solved for years.
“People have been languishing in jail and in remand awaiting judgment for 15 to 20 years. We undertook that survey and we will have to come up with strategies to solve that,” Ms Baraza said.
The two were speaking at a thanksgiving service held at the PCEA Kinoo Parish where prayers were held for the Chief Justice, his deputy and the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Keriako Tobiko, as they embarked on their official duties.
Ms Baraza said that her visits to a number of courts and prisons in the country revealed major challenges that required immediate attention.
“I have been carrying out a needs assessment and what we have in Kenya are major challenges such as lack of personnel, infrastructure and the need to rebuild the morale of the Judiciary,” she said.
Dr Mutunga said judges will pay taxes according to Section 160 of the Constitution. “Judges are going to pay taxes and I’m going to respond in writing to say we shall pay the taxes and explain Section 160 of the Constitution,” said Dr Mutunga.
Gichugu MP Martha Karua, who was at the event, concurred with the CJ, adding that MPs needed not to defend themselves when it came to paying taxes.
Mr Tobiko asked those who opposed his nomination and appointment to give him an opportunity to prove that he was qualified for the position.
Lands Minister James Orengo, who attended the service, expressed confidence in the leadership of Dr Mutunga and his counterparts, saying they were going to transform the country.
Rev Dr Timothy Njoya presided over the service.
Rev Dr Timothy Njoya presided over the service.
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