Acting Chief Justice (CJ) Lady Justice Philomena Mwilu has called on judicial officers to offer quality services to Kenyans, as this is the sole reason they are employed in the crucial arm of government.
Lady Justice Mwilu reminded the judges and magistrates that they were employed to write judgments, saying it is mandatory for all the officers to effectively deliver services failure to which they should resign to do other business.
“I want to remind the judicial officers around the country that they are in office to offer justice; if you cannot do the job fairly or think your pay is little, then you better resign from the judiciary early enough,” she said.
Mwilu was speaking in Kilgoris Constituency in Narok County during the launch of a High Court and Environment and Land Court (ELC) sub registries in the area.
She reminded them that in the rare instances where a judicial officer is facing challenges, he or she should inform the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) who will offer the necessary support needed.
At the same time, Mwilu warned the judiciary to be careful not to lose control of the courts to interested parties like the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), who try to control the court process.
“I have been in the judiciary for a while now and I have realized that it is not always the lawyers to blame for delayed judgments, but also the judicial officers. Why would a judicial officer allow totally unnecessary adjournments that delay justice,” wondered the acting CJ.
She was in her second assignment, after touring Mombasa County, since she assumed the office following the retirement of immediate former CJ David Maraga last week.
“If you are working for the judiciary and not doing the right thing, you better do us a favour and walk out. When I came to the Supreme Court in the year 2016, one of the things we prioritized to do is to deliver quality justice to citizens,” she continued.
The acting CJ also rallied the members of the public to opt for alternative dispute resolutions outside the court buildings in a bid to acquire a faster justice.
“Must all cases be brought to a law court? Don’t we have respected elders in the society who can help in resolving some issues like land matters to avoid bulkiness in the courts?” questioned the acting CJ.
She was accompanied by Narok Governor, Samuel Tunai, Narok Women Representative Soipan Tuya, Kilgoris Member of Parliament Gideon Nkonchella and Emmurua Dikirr legislator, Johana Ngeno.
Also present were High court registrar Ann Amadi and Narok Director of Public Prosecution Zachary Omwega among a host of lawyers.
Governor Tunai thanked the acting CJ for the new courts, saying a few years ago residents used to walk to far counties to get justice.
“We request you to give us a court of law in Emurrua Dikirr constituency as the residents there travel for long distances to access justice,” Tunai said adding that the county government will donate land for building the court.”
By Ann Salaton
