President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki have hailed the Kenyan Supreme Court for upholding rights and modernizing the country’s judiciary.
In his speech on Monday, November 4 at the ceremony marking the 12th anniversary of the establishment of the Supreme Court of Kenya, President Ruto paid tribute to the institution for its crucial role in upholding the rule of law and protecting constitutional rights in Kenya.
Alongside Chief Justice Martha Koome and a wide range of senior officials, the President highlighted the Court’s importance in shaping democracy and justice in Kenya.
“We commend the Supreme Court for its role as a steadfast and faithful guardian of our Constitution, a defender of human rights, a pillar of democracy and a champion of justice for all,” Ruto said.
He also encouraged the apex court to remain “agile, forward-looking, innovative and accountable” in the face of the complex and evolving challenges of today’s society.
The event, held at the Supreme Court headquarters in Nairobi, was also an opportunity for Vice President Kithure Kindiki to recall, through a tweet, the central role of the Court in establishing jurisprudence adapted to national issues and in modernizing justice.
Kindiki particularly highlighted the progress made through the use of technology, which has made the judicial system more accessible and efficient. The introduction of virtual hearings, according to him, marked a turning point in the administration of justice.
“The use of technology by the judiciary has enabled a faster, more efficient and practical way of delivering justice and resolving disputes,” said Vice President Kindiki. He also stressed that the Supreme Court could, in the years to come, continue to refine a jurisprudence that reconciles national interests with the realization of the rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
Kindiki stressed the need for harmonious collaboration between the three branches of government – the Executive, Parliament and the Judiciary – while respecting their independence: “The three branches have a duty to exercise restraint and work interdependently for the public good.”
In addition to President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, also present were First Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, former Deputy Chief Justice Dr. Nancy Baraza, Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga, as well as Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
In reaffirming its role as a pillar of democracy and justice, the Supreme Court, under the Presidency of Martha Koome, is committed to continuing its mandate in responding to the needs of a changing society.
AC/Sf/fss/gik/APA