I am not the high priest of corruption, CJ Maraga says

Chief Justice David Maraga has taken on those he terms as powerful individuals bankrolling articles to tarnish the image of the Judiciary.

The CJ claims that a clique of people who have lost cases in court are on a smear campaign to portray the Judiciary as corrupt.

Even as he admitted that he is fighting to rid the Judiciary of corrupt elements, Maraga said that just like any section of the Kenyan society, the Judiciary will always have some black sheep.

Speaking during the unveiling an ultra-modern court building in Nyando, the Chief Justice fought back at what he called a campaign to paint him as the high priest of corruption.

Maraga insisted that despite the tag of the high priest of corruption, he knew his institution well and has a duty to defend what is good and noble in it.

“We know who is behind them…we will defend where we are unfairly criticized,” said Maraga.

The Judiciary has been cited for being the weak link in the war on corruption with investigative agencies claiming that while they consolidate their cases, some of the accused are left to go scot-free once they appear in court

On his part, the Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji wants public servants charged in court suspended from office.

The DPP  further added that the Judiciary should set tough bail conditions for individuals facing serious offences claiming state officers often used the offices they held to subvert investigation against them, thereby tampering with witnesses or evidence.