The Rift Valley Branch of the Law Society of Kenya has called on President Uhuru to appoint 41 judges in order to help deal with the backlog of cases.
Addressing media in Nakuru on Wednesday, the body while supporting the recent sentiments by Chief Justice David Maraga noted that there are numerous cases pending before the Land and Environment and the Labour and Employment Relations courts across the country.
“We urge the President to proceed with alacrity to accordingly appoint the 41 judges as courts begin to reopen for physical engagements to help deal with the backlog of cases pending before the courts” read the statement.
Led by the Rift Valley LSK President John Ochang’, the law Body members have also called on the Executive arm of government to support the Judiciary.
According to Ochang’, citizens’ faith in the Judiciary should never be allowed to diminish.
He adds that the continued push and pull between the Executive and the Judiciary will make citizens lose faith in the Judiciary which is an important arm of government on matters justice.
“We believe that no government which is not a dictator or seeking to become a dictator can afford to have subservient Judiciary in which the citizens have little or no faith and confidence in its ability to expeditiously dispense justice due to lack of adequate personnel,” said Ochang’.
The body has also weighed in on the recent evictions of homeless citizens in Kariobangi and elsewhere despite a valid court order.
The Rift Valley LSK branch says such is an illustration of the effects of disobedience and total disregard of the authority of the court on the part of Executive.
The law body has condemned such careless demolitions that exposed children, the sick and the elderly to the realities of the homelessness, hunger, destitution and the unforgiving vagaries of cold and dirty conditions at a time nation are grappling with effects of COVID-19 pandemic.