Lady Justice Grace Wangui Ngenye takes oath of office/PPS
NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 17 – President Mwai Kibaki has urged the Judiciary to be a just and honest arbitrator by hearing promptly all the cases involving persons who incite Kenyans to engage in violence ahead of the elections.
President Kibaki at the same time stressed the need for both the Executive arm of government and the Judiciary to work closely to send out a clear message that Kenya has no place for agents of violence and terror.
The president made the remarks at State House Nairobi after witnessing the swearing in of nine newly appointed Judges. The ceremony was conducted by the chief Registrar of the High Court Gladys Shollei.
The Head of State reminded the judges that, as the country approached the general elections, Kenyans and other stakeholders expect quick dispensation of justice to be a norm in the judicial system.
President Kibaki called upon Kenyans to support the reform process and work with relevant government agencies to eradicate judicial corruption.
Said the president: “We must all join hands in streamlining our judiciary if we are to succeed in entrenching the rule of law in our country.”
Acknowledging the commendable progress being made towards addressing the challenges of the Judiciary, President Kibaki asserted that the operational autonomy that the Judiciary now enjoys coupled with the on-going vetting process was gradually restoring public confidence in the judiciary.
“I commend the Chief Justice and his team for the progress that has been made in transforming our judiciary. I urge you to sustain the momentum in order to meet the expectations of Kenyans on judicial reforms”, he added.
The president challenged the new judges to live up to the expectations of the Kenyan people by remaining focused on the country’s reform programme.
“As you take up your positions in the High Court, you are expected to support this reform program and indeed to be the agents of the judicial changes that Kenyans desire,” President Kibaki said.
Congratulating the new judges on their appointment, the Head of State urged them and all Kenyans in general to also remain focused on building a country in which justice is the shield and defender.
The sworn-in judges were Mutende Lillian Nabwire, Kamau Nancy Jacqueline Njeri, Ngaah Jairus, Esther Nyambura Maina, Francis Gikonyo, Ngenye Grace Wangui, Musyoka William Muasya, Muya Martin Mati and Mathew Nderi Nduma.
The swearing in ceremony was witnessed by Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Attorney General Githu Muigai, Chief Justice Willy Mutunga and the acting Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet Francis Kimemia.
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