Kibaki praises Judiciary for apt petition process

From left: Attorney General Githu Muigai, Supreme Court judges Njoki Ndung'u, Smokin Wanjala, Mohamed Ibrahim, Chief Justice Willy Mutunga greet President Mwai Kibaki on April 03,2013 during the farewell luncheon. WILLIAM OERI   NATION MEDIA GROUP

By PPS

IN SUMMARY

• According to President Kibaki, the confidence that people placed in the Supreme Court has been affirmed and the ultimate winner of the elections is Kenyan people.
• He thanked Kenyans for accepting the verdict, maintaining peace and called on the rest of the judiciary to learn from the Supreme Court, whose members he said, have set high standards in the corridors of justice.
• He said that the Judiciary is instrumental in securing the future of Kenyans as envisaged in the Constitution and Vision 2030.

President Kibaki has commended the Judiciary for well-concluded poll petition.

“In the last few weeks, the attention of the country and the world was focused on our Judiciary as it received and heard the Presidential Election petitions,” the President said.

According to President Kibaki, the confidence that people placed in the Supreme Court has been affirmed and the ultimate winner of the elections is Kenyan people.

“Indeed, those aggrieved by the outcome of an election have the right to be heard in our courts. In giving them an avenue to be heard and letting the respondents adequate time to reply, you helped instil confidence in our judicial system,” he said. (READ: Cord moves to Supreme Court over Uhuru poll victory)

President Kibaki was speaking during a luncheon hosted in his honour by the Judiciary at the Supreme Court in Nairobi.

He thanked Kenyans for accepting the verdict, maintaining peace and called on the rest of the judiciary to learn from the Supreme Court, whose members he said, have set high standards in the corridors of justice.

The President applauded Chief Justice Willy Mutunga and his team for reforming the Judiciary and urged them to continue leading with diligence, dedication and determination.

“In the past few years, Kenyans have witnessed the reform of our Judiciary. I commend the Chief Justice for the work he has done in the reform process,” he said.

President Kibaki reiterated the importance of a future that ensures respect for human rights and individual freedoms while recognising peace as a fundamental requirement for political stability, social progress and economic prosperity of the nation.

He said that the Judiciary is instrumental in securing the future of Kenyans as envisaged in the Constitution and Vision 2030.

He said the new Constitution has ushered in a new governance structure with a bicameral Parliament, an independent Judiciary, County governments, and a more accountable Executive.

“Our Constitution is very clear on the separation of powers between the three arms of government and an independent judiciary has been a matter passionate to me, ” said the President.

He urged the new Legislature and Executive to support the Judiciary to build a justice system that works for all citizens and said the judiciary should grant the incoming administration the necessary support.

Chief Justice Willy Mutunga acknowledged support from the government saying reforms not only require political goodwill but immense resources as well.

CJ Mutunga reiterated the separation of powers of the Judiciary, Legislative and Executive citing the interdependence among the three arms of government.

He said the relationship between the Executive and the Judiciary has enabled the Judiciary to carry out its mandate.

Constitutional Affairs minister Eugene Wamalwa said the in-coming Government has to ensure the country carries on with the reform agenda as well as reconciliation after the hotly contested Presidential election.

Attorney General Githu Muigai, Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Gladys Shollei, former House Speaker Kenneth Marende and other government officials were also present
.