Photos/FILE/NATION Dr Willy Mutunga (left), Nancy Baraza (centre) and Keriako Tobiko for positions of Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice and Director of Public Prosecution. Baraza and Tobiko on Sunday asked the church to assist in the fight against graft.
By LUCAS BARASA, lbarassa@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Sunday, July 10 2011 at 14:18
Posted Sunday, July 10 2011 at 14:18
Two Judicial and State Law office officials on Sunday took campaigns against corruption to church and urged the clergy to assist in the fight for its success.
Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza said since 80 percent of Kenyans were Christians, the church could play a major role by preaching against the vice.
“This will wipe out corruption and reform the judiciary,” Ms Baraza said.
Speaking at Friends Church on Ngong Road, Ms Baraza who was accompanied Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko and UNHRC Community Service assistant Agnes Mutele said if the church joined in the fight, the justice agencies work would be easier and the burden on the DPP’s office lessened.
“We must condemn corruption. If you see a person bribing a magistrate or a judge you should bring it to our attention. We are not going to condone corruption,” Ms Baraza told the congregation.
She said judicial reforms must be undertaken to bring back respect it used to enjoy and make it accountable to Kenyans.
“We must preach the values of the country to the people of Kenya. We shall not wipe out corruption unless we teach against it.
We should continue to preach against corruption. If churches preach righteousness we shall wipe out corruption,” she said.
She continued: “We should teach our members it is wrong to bribe a judge, a magistrate or prosecutor. We must say it. We must hate corruption,” Ms Baraza.
Mr Tobiko said the positions of CJ, deputy CJ and DPP were of respect and must be served with great humility.
“We must serve with sense of respect and public duty. For us to reform judiciary and ensure you receive services we require your constant prayers, encouragement and support. We are human beings and you correct us when we go wrong,” Mr Tobiko added.
He said the Church should also come to their defense when they are unfairly criticized.
“It is highly demoralizing when you work hard but are criticised unfairly but constructive criticism is good. We cannot however succeed alone without being supported by other justice agencies,” the DPP said and called for cooperation between police, the prosecution and correctional services.
He warned that judicial reforms would fail if other justice agencies were left out.
Mr Tobiko also assured the CJ and deputy CJ of his office’s support.
“I assure you madam and the CJ and your colleagues of support of DPP’s office,” Mr Tobiko said.
CJ Willy Mutunga has already met various groups including civil society, lawyers, matatu operators and Korogocho slum dwellers and sought their support in reforming the justice system.
The trio-Mutunga, Baraza and Tobiko were appointed last month after undergoing vigorous vetting process.
The officials face a herculean task reforming the judiciary whose image has been tainted by widespread corruption, affecting delivery of justice.
Dr Mutunga has vowed not to tolerate graft in the judiciary.
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