Chief Justice Martha Koome has appealed to the Church to become more vigilant and vocal in defending independent institutions against threats.
The CJ said the Judiciary, like others, was going through a phase where Kenyans nolonger respect constitutional institutions.
The Chief Justice and Judges of the Supreme court are facing three petitions of removal before the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
However, the high court stopped the JSC from proceeding with the petitions.
Speaking in Meru during the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) General Administrative Committee meeting, Justice Koome said the Judiciary will not be deterred by any form of threats.
“We exist to defend and uphold the constitution. Kenyans gave their sovereign power as provided for in the constitution. There is a need for the Church to continue standing firm in defending independent institutions particularly at a time when they are tested and threatened,” she said.
The CJ added, “The stability and progress ofnour democracy depends on the resilience and credibility of independent institutions such as the judiciary. We exist to to uphold the rule of law and ensure checks and balances.”
The Chief Justice said the church should take advantage of its divinitory mandate to champion the the protection and strengthening of independent institutions as per the constitution.
She further said the Judiciary will continue working with the church in advancing a people centred and accessible justice system.
CJ Koome said justice must be a lived experience where it is available in the community.
“We are pursuing a multidoor approach which recognises and integrates alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and traditional justice systems as complimentary pathways,” she said.
The CJ cited the persistent use of mediation to resolve political disputes since the 2007 post election violence.
She challenged the church to rally the country against using violence to resolve political disputes.
“After the 2007 violence, we ended up at the table where the coalition government was formed. In 2017, we had disputes over the elections and ended up with a handshake.
After 2022 elections, we had a dispute and deadly protests. We ended up at the table and a broadbased government. Why can’t we always start at the table rather than with violence?” Justice Koome posed.
The Chief Justice encouraged the church to promote dialogue based dispute resolution to help reduce court cases.
“I can never understand why families take each other to court. Even children take their mother to court on succession matters. In some cases, people go to court delay and obstruct justice by seeking legal interpretations. Let us build harmony in families and talk to each other,” she said.
CJ Koome called on churches and other religious organisations to resolve matters that unnecessarily end up in court.
She noted that this would deepen restorative justice across the country.
