Details of Raphael Tuju’s Letter to CJ Martha Koome
Former Jubilee Secretary-General Raphael Tuju has written a letter to Chief Justice Martha Koome, expressing concerns about the conduct of Supreme Court of Kenya (SCoK) judges. In the letter dated Friday, March 21, Tuju highlighted three key issues.
1. Judges Speaking on Pending Cases
Tuju criticized some judges for making public statements on cases that are still before the courts. He questioned whether it was appropriate for them to do so and warned that such actions could undermine judicial processes.
“When SCoK judges attempt to stop proceedings at the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), it means they want a license for impunity. While they demand respect from Kenyans, they should also respect the law and institutions like the JSC,” Tuju wrote.
He urged the judges to avoid commenting on matters that are still under judicial review and to uphold the integrity of the court system.
2. Language Used in 2022 Presidential Petition Ruling
Tuju also raised concerns about the language used by the Supreme Court in its ruling on the 2022 presidential election petition. He argued that some remarks made by the judges were unnecessary and could have led to unrest.
He pointed out phrases like “hot air” and “wild goose chase,” which were used to dismiss the petition. According to him, such language was inappropriate given the high political tensions at the time.
“After a closely contested election, emotions were high, and ethnic divisions were evident. The SCoK should have used a more temperate tone while performing their solemn duty,” Tuju stated.
3. Personal Court Case on Karen Land
Tuju further addressed a legal dispute involving his 27-acre property in Karen, which has been the subject of an auction related to a case with the East African Development Bank (EADB). He insisted that the land was lawfully acquired and questioned the conduct of judges handling the case.
He criticized a panel of five Supreme Court judges for recusing themselves after affidavits in the case were recanted.
“The five judges took an unprecedented step by recusing themselves. They did not need to do so because the case had already collapsed,” he argued.
Call for Judicial Accountability
Tuju concluded his letter by urging Supreme Court judges to uphold fairness and transparency. He emphasized that the judiciary must remain neutral and avoid actions that could erode public trust.
His letter has sparked debate about the independence of the judiciary and the role of judges in sensitive national matters. It remains to be seen how Chief Justice Koome and the judiciary will respond to these concerns.
Details of Raphael Tuju’s Letter to CJ Martha Koome
