African Divine Church (ADC) has appealed to the Judiciary and Law Society of Kenya (LSK) to support efforts by Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Noordin Haji to win the war against corruption.
ADC National Archbishop John Chabuga made the appeal Wednesday in his New Year message to the faithful at the church’s national headquarters in Boyani, Hamisi Sub County in Vihiga County.
Archbishop Chabuga expressed disappointment with what he described as the Judiciary and LSK’s selective and preferential treatment of some graft suspects presented before them.
“It is regrettable when the Judiciary and lawyers’ umbrella body publicly show some bias towards corruption cases touching on their colleagues,” said Chabuga.
Chabuga cited decisions by the judiciary to suspend alleged graft cases facing Deputy Chief Justice (DCJ) Philomena Mwilu and lawyer Professor Tom Ojienda.
Justice Mwilu is fighting off charges of obtaining execution of a security belonging to Imperial Bank Limited by false pretense, abusing her office for personal gain.
Other charges leveled against the DCJ include, accepting a gift in the form of money in circumstances which undermined public confidence in the integrity of her office, unlawful failure to pay taxes and
conducting herself in disregard of the law.
Prof Ojienda was arrested on December 21, 2018 over claims of fraudulent acquisition of Sh89 million from Mumias Sugar Company.
He was, however, released last Sunday night and on Monday Justice Chacha Mwita halted his prosecution to determine whether DPP Haji acted illegally.
The cleric urged Kenyans, including public servants, politicians, and faithful and civil society groups to support President Uhuru Kenyatta’s effort to rid the country of graft.
“It is discouraging to hear DPP Haji complain about being frustrated by the Judiciary, which ironically is the government’s arm charged with ensuring Kenyans uphold the law,” observed Chabuga.
He urged Kenyan lawyers against defending their colleagues arrested for involving themselves in graft and related cases.
“The war on graft should not divide Kenyans along tribal and professional lines,” remarked Chabuga.
By Maurice Aluda
