Angry Maraga attacks DCI, DPP in Uhuru’s presence

Tony Mukere

January 25, 2019 3:17 PM

Dramatic confrontation

Angry Maraga attacks DCI, DPP in Uhuru’s presence

The relations between the Judiciary, the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations on Friday took a different turn after Chief Justice David Maraga criticized the two offices in the presence of President Uhuru Kenyatta.

A visibly angered Maraga told the President that the war against corruption was going to be won on hard evidence and not by “gimmicks”.

“Because I am in the dock, let me be candid. Your excellency, the war on corruption will not be won through Friday arrests.”

“The war on corruption will be won the rule of law and on courage where those tasked with the responsibility will confront the menace head on,” CJ said amid uproar from delegates attending the Anti-Graft summit being held at the Bomas of Kenya.

Angry Maraga attacks DCI, DPP in Uhuru’s presence Pulse Live Kenya

Noordin Haji

In an indirect reference to DPP Noordin Haji, the CJ said Friday arrests would not be helpful in the war against graft.

Haji has in the past defended his style where, in collaboration with DCI George Kinoti, arrests are made on weekends to ensure suspects spend more time in jail before they are presented before court.

Maraga said he was especially irked by a social media campaign led by a section of bloggers which depicted him as a corruption sympathizer.

“I am now being side tracked by endless campaigns on social media. Like today, they showed me naked appearing to be massaging people who are supposed to be corrupt. The war on graft will not be won on such gimmicks,” the Chief Justice stated.

1 slide