Kenya Chief Justice gets death threats

Dr Mutunga said he had received a “poison-pen letter” from the Mungiki Veterans Groups/Kenya Sovereignty Defence Squad making all manner of threats against judges, ambassadors and himself. “The letter warns against an adversarial ruling on the presidential and deputy presidential candidacy of Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto. The letter extols the violent ‘exploits’ of the Mungiki Movement and threatens dire consequences,” said Dr Mutunga.

Dr Mutunga said Head of Public Service Francis Kimemia’s attempt to block him from travelling outside the country was politically motivated and an emerging trend of intimidating judges as the country heads to elections is worrying.

According to the CJ, he was stopped by an immigration officer from travelling to Tanzania who insisted that he could not travel unless he is cleared by Mr Kimemia.
Dr Mutunga said he was ready to sacrifice his life in defence of the Constitution.

Lawyers condemned the threats to the CJ and Judiciary just days ahead of the General Election. Law Society of Kenya (LSK) chairman Eric Mutua and East Africa Law Society (EALS) President James Mwamu said that the threats cannot be taken lightly. “The CJ and the Judiciary cannot be held ransom…we shall ensure that the rule of law reigns supreme and the culprits are brought to book,” Mr Mutua said.

He said the independence of the Judiciary was guaranteed in the Constitution and the Dr Mutunga could not be held to ransom. “We (LSK) shall stand firm, defend public interest and ensure that the Constitution reigns supreme,” Mr Mutua said.

Mr Mwamu called on the National Security and Intelligence Service to investigate the matter to restore public confidence before the polls.