Kithure Kindiki Message to Judiciary in First Remarks as Deputy President
Kithure Kindiki issued a subtle challenge to the Supreme Court on Monday, November 4, marking his first public comments since taking office as Deputy President.
Kindiki attended the official opening of the Supreme Court of Kenya’s twelfth Jurisprudential Conference in Nairobi, alongside various dignitaries.
At the event presided over by President William Ruto, all attention was on Kindiki as the public eagerly anticipated his initial statements following his swearing-in.
The new Deputy President urged the judiciary to develop strategies that balance public interest with the greater national interest.
Referring to Chapter 238 of the 2010 constitution, which deals with national security, Kindiki pointed out that the judiciary’s emphasis on public interest could sometimes undermine national welfare.
He questioned, “Beyond the court’s parameters and principles that help us understand public interest, are there other paramount values and principles vital to Kenya’s existence? The public can take actions that threaten the state’s stability.”
“This is the critical aspect of jurisprudence I want us to reflect on.”
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Kindiki acknowledged that his views might be perceived as biased due to his two years in the security portfolio but emphasized the importance of the courts safeguarding ‘higher interests’ while fulfilling their responsibilities.
Having served as the Interior Cabinet Secretary for two years, he praised the Supreme Court and the judiciary as one of the most effective branches of government in executing their roles.
“I recall that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Supreme Court managed to deliver efficient judgments even amid lockdowns. The future is leaning towards virtual proceedings. The Supreme Court has performed admirably,” Kindiki stated, adding that a significant challenge lies in enhancing the physical facilities of the Supreme Court.
He further remarked, “The only area requiring attention is the physical infrastructure of the courts. The Supreme Court must ensure it has modern facilities to effectively deliver justice.”
Kindiki’s remarks followed closely after his predecessor, ousted Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, faced a significant setback from the High Court, which cleared the way for the swearing-in of the Interior CS.
This decision came after an extensive court battle where Gachagua’s legal team sought to exploit every possible legal loophole in their effort to contest his impeachment.
Kithure Kindiki Message to Judiciary in First Remarks as Deputy President
