CJ Maraga castigates EACC, DPP for shoddy investigations

Chief Justice David Maraga has lashed out at the Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko and anti graft agency EACC over what he termed as shoddy investigations in corruption cases.

Speaking while launching Anti Corruption and Economic Crimes Division at Milimani, the CJ urged the judiciary and others to do their work effectively to tame rampant graft.

“I want DPP, EACC and police to bring rigour into their work if they expect the Judges and Magistrates to find in their favour. Trafficking accused persons to court to manage political pressure when investigations are not concluded or when those investigations are sloppily or casually done or accusing the wrong officers or drawing faulty charge sheets – all which are intended or devised to fail the case and blame the courts should come to an end,” said Maraga.

“Give us evidence we shall convict, if you do not we shall acquit,” he added.

Maraga at the same time directed that all applications challenging prosecution of graft cases are heard in Nairobi, and that all economic crime cases be heard before the newly created Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division.

The CJ assured the complainants of a free and fair hearing, adding that the courts will not convict anyone without sufficient evidence, further warning corrupt individuals that the judiciary will not shield them from facing the full wrath of the law.

“Judiciary will not be a shelter or sanctuary for the corrupt,” he said.

While calling for an end to the blame games being traded by different government agencies tasked with fighting corruption, Maraga insisted in the need for multi faceted efforts from the police and EACC by conducting thorough investigations to proper prosecution and submission of evidence by the DPP, saying that only then can the courts deliver convictions.

“We must identify where the lapses lie and fix them immediately. Only then can we discharge our respective mandate in the fight against corruption,” said Maraga.

Also present was the Director of Public Prosecution who asked judges and magistrates to live up to the expectations of the public saying that there are 90 special prosecutors who team up with the judges and magistrates to ensure that cases touching on corruption are heard expeditiously.

“Stay orders are no longer dished out,” The DPP said.