The Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association president Stephen Radido has condemned ongoing and escalating attacks on the Judiciary.
In a press statement, Justice Radido said the attacks only serve to undermine its integrity and authority.
He said recent incidents in which judges and judicial officers were personally attacked on social media with ill-conceived insults, degrade their important role in the country’s democracy.
He added that the attacks are a recipe for crippling the country’s institutions, choking the independence of judicial institutions, and ultimately degenerate into a state of lawlessness.
Judge Radido said the online attacks outside the formal avenues pose an unwarranted distraction from the dispensation of justice and adjudication of justice.
“The threats are an assault to the rule of law and the administration of justice,” he said.
He stated that it is a show of bad faith for members of the Law Society of Kenya to renege from raising concerns through formal avenues in place, abandon the complaints mechanism, and deploy tactics such as cyberbullying.
Justice Radido urged stakeholders to continue engaging the Judiciary with genuine concerns regarding judicial processes and any notable inefficiencies.
“Our members call for an immediate cessation of all forms of blanket condemnation and welcome any actionable, evidence-based complaints for action,” he said.
“We stand firm against such orchestrated schemes intended to destabilise our institution, erode public trust, and interfere with functionalities of Judiciary, particularly as we approach the General Elections scheduled for 2027.”
He urged Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya, Martha Koome, to remain steadfast and protect the independence of the Judiciary.
Justice Radido noted that at times, judges fall short of some
expectations and are hence not immune to criticism.
“Indeed, we welcome constructive criticism, as it serves as
a mirror for reflection and introspection since every responsibility calls for
transparency and accountability,” he explained.
“This acknowledgement is made while aware that judges and judicial officers must keep abreast of the developments in society and the legal landscape through continuous training as appropriate.”
Radido said the Judiciary, judges and magistrates as part of the society ought to advance the judicial cause outside the confines of the courtroom through all acceptable media such as radio and television stations.
