The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has called upon members of the public, civic leaders and institutional stakeholders to respect the dignity of judicial institutions.
The Commission directed that any engagement with the Judiciary must be grounded in civility, constructive dialogue and an unyielding respect for the rule of law.
In a press statement sent to newsrooms, the Secretary Judicial Service Commission, Winfridah Mokaya said any party aggrieved by a judicial decision whether relating to bail, bond, or any other matter has an unfettered right to seek redress through appeals or reviews in accordance with the law.
Mokaya said JSC is greatly concerned over the escalating trend of public vilification and unwarranted personal attacks directed at judicial officers in the discharge of their judicial functions which was manifested in reaction to bail and bond decisions issued by the Nanyuki and Kahawa Law Courts.
“Such conduct misrepresents the Judiciary’s constitutional role, undermines judicial independence and corrodes public trust in the administration of justice, a cornerstone of our democracy,” she stated.
She at the same time noted that resorting to personal attacks against judicial officers not only subverts due process but also imperils the sanctity and independence of the judiciary.
“The Commission underscores that bail and bond determinations are not made arbitrarily, as the decisions are informed by the Constitution, the Criminal Procedure Code, and the Judiciary’s Bail and Bond Policy Guidelines.
These instruments provide a structured legal framework and clearly articulated criteria to guide the exercise of judicial discretion, while taking into account the specific facts and circumstances of each case,” Mokaya said.
Mokaya reaffirmed JSC’s unwavering commitment to defending the decisional independence of all judicial officers and judges.
“The Commission commends judicial officers across the country for their dedication and encourages them to continue executing their constitutional mandate with integrity, courage, and fidelity to the law without fear, favour, bias, or undue influence,” said Mokaya.
The Commission also assured all judicial officers that the Office of the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary is working in close coordination with the Judiciary Police Unit to provide them with security to ensure their safety and that of court stations.
By Bernadette Khaduli
