- Koome on Thursday highlighted the importance of maintaining a humane perspective in handling events to ensure that only those genuinely culpable are held accountable
- She was speaking while at the same time advocating for the review of the dispensation of the Kenya Criminal Justice System
Image: SPU
The Judiciary and the National Assembly have vowed to establish a common working relationship between the two arms of government.
Chief Justice Martha Koome on Thursday highlighted the importance of maintaining a humane perspective in handling events to ensure that only those genuinely culpable are held accountable.
She was speaking while at the same time advocating for the review of the dispensation of the Kenya Criminal Justice System.
“The Constitution of Kenya 2010 mandated the realignment of all legislations for progress. We have closely collaborated with the National Assembly's Justice and Legal Affairs Committee on various legislations,” Koome said.
The CJ was speaking when she paid a courtesy call to the National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula‘s office.
It was at this engagement that Koome also revealed the judiciary's plan to establish courts in underserved regions, such as the northern corridor.
This will aid in introducing magistrate courts in every constituency and high courts in every county to expedite case processing.
The CJ also announced that the Judges' Retirement Bill would be presented to the House shortly.
Speaker Wetang’ula on the other hand emphasized that the two arms of government can collaborate to enhance service delivery to the people of Kenya.
He said that the two sides can have productive working relations without bringing tension on either side.
The former Bungoma Senator commended the Judiciary for their tremendous work in producing the proposed legislation.
“Explore unclear areas within the administration of criminal justice, including those related to forestry, water, and immigration,” Wetang’ula advised Koome.
Wetang'ula commended the Judiciary for their tremendous work in producing the proposed legislation and encouraged Chief Justice Koome to explore unclear areas within the administration of criminal justice, including those related to forestry, water, and immigration.
CJ Koome informed the National Assembly that there was a penal and criminal procedure code amendment Bill that sought to bring about reforms in criminal law—a realm that has not undergone comprehensive review since 1930.
She emphasized the need for these reforms to streamline legal processes and bring the laws in line with the evolving needs and aspirations of the nation
In addition, the Speaker expressed gratitude for CJ Koome's visit and promptly directed the report on the review of the penal code and criminal procedure code to the National Assembly's Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, chaired by MP George Murugara.
The engagement, between the two leaders was founded with an array of issues including how the two arms of government can collaborate to enhance service delivery to the people of Kenya.
The Clerk of the National Assembly Samuel Njoroge appreciated the Judiciary for establishing the Judiciary Academy indicating that it will offer professional capacity building for Parliamentary Staff thus enhancing service delivery.
Also part of the meeting was the National Assembly, Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss, the leader of the Majority Party, Kimani Ichung’wa, the Justice and Legal Committee Chairperson George Murugara, Court of Appeal Judge, Lady Justice Grace Ndenye and Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, Anne Amadi.