CJ censures Raila over election date remarks

Written By:KBC reporter,    Posted: Mon, Mar 19, 2012

Chief Justice Willy Mutunga has criticized Prime Minister Raila Odinga  over his recent utterances on the High Court ruling on election date. The CJ who is accusing the PM of undermining authority of judiciary said his conduct is unacceptable and, "reeks of impunity". Mutunga told the PM to debate the issue in a civil manner and seek legal redress if he was unhappy with the court ruling. The CJ said he was deeply concerned over reports to the effect that Prime Minister Raila Odinga allegedly claimed that in arriving at an election date, Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission was interpreting a decision by ‘korti ya bandia' meaning  fake or kangaroo courts. He said Raila has a right to disagree with a court ruling but should be within the realm of the law. "Mr Odinga is Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya. He is a creature of the law, he is a critical and fundamental arm of executive. He must be aware that he bears a duty to uphold and protect the independence of judiciary required by the constitution- especially where he is unhappy with its decisions," Mutunga said in a statement sent to newsrooms Monday evening.  Mutunga stated that leaders who believe that the decision by the three judge High Court bench was wrong should seek legal redress instead of making utterances that undermine independence and authority of judiciary.