Election dispute resolution my priority – CJ Maraga

Chief Justice David Kenani Maraga says the Judiciary is ready to hear and resolve any election disputes in the 2017 General Election.

Speaking immediately after being sworn in as the second Chief Justice under the new constitutional dispensation, Justice Maraga said that having chaired the Judiciary Committee on Elections, they have put in place preparations to ensure that any disputes are resolved professionally and within the stipulated timelines.

“Elections and Election Dispute Resolution is a key priority for me,” said Maraga.

“I have been the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee on Elections and I have confidence in the preparations that we have and are putting in place. But we are just one actor in the chain.”

He said that the Judiciary requires the cooperation of all state agencies in order to deliver on election dispute.

“We require all agencies, other actors, the political class and the Kenyan citizenry to play their part in ensuring that the next elections are undertaken in accordance with the set Constitutional standards,” called Justice Maraga.

“I want to assure the nation that the Judiciary is ready to satisfactorily determine any disputes that may arise from the electioneering process. The Judiciary is ready to hear and resolve any election disputes that may arise in a fair and timely manner.”

He added that the Judiciary shall continue investing in cultivating trust and confidence of the citizenry in its arbitral role in electoral disputes.

“I am determined to do what it takes, to engage as widely as is necessary and as is permitted under the Constitution, to achieve this objective and to ensure that justice prevails and peace abounds amongst the Kenyan people.”

Maraga was sworn in at State House, Nairobi on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 in a function witnessed by President Uhuru Kenyatta.