Uhuru's rare advice to CJ Maraga after his swearing-in

dennis kibet

December 15, 2017 1:37 PM

This is the first time Uhuru and Maraga have met after the President's swearing-in.

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday sent a rare advice to Chief Justice David Maraga after the two met face-to-face for the first time since the formers swearing-in ceremony last month.

Speaking at the Supreme Court in Nairobi, Kenyatta advised Maraga to "grow a thick skin" in the wake of criticism from politicians and social media users with regards to recent political rulings by the courts.

"Judiciary ought to accept that criticism also comes with the office, whether from the media, journals, public baraza, social media or even me. Kenyans will say what they have to say and most of the time it will not been flattering, and that is democracy. So Chief Justice please grow a thick skin and consult people within the law," Kenyatta stated.

Kenyatta was the chief guest when Maraga issued the 6th Annual Report on The State of The Judiciary, the first under his leadership and agenda titled - Sustaining the Judiciary Transformation (SJT): A Service Delivery Agenda.

Kenyatta called on unity of the Judiciary with other arms of government for justice to prevail in the country.

"In the spirit of inclusivity, all parts of the government should work together towards the realisation of justice in our community. The administration of justice should not be shrouded in intrigues that only a few understand. Judicial authority is sovereignty power of the people," Kenyatta said.

Kenyatta and Maraga have had a friosty relationship ever since the Supreme Court led by the CJ nullified the President's win in the August 8 election.

Kenyatta was later quoted as referring to the Supreme Court as "Wakora" (crooks) after the Supreme Court judgement.

dennis kibet