Chief Justice David Maraga is retiring a happy man but is worried if the one to take over the ‘blazing seat’ will be bold enough to enjoy the heat like he did during his tenure.
The CJ, who is taking terminal leave pending his retirement in January 2021, will like his predecessor Willy Mutunga be remembered for protecting the Judiciary from interference by the executive arm of the government.
Unlike Mutunga who did to directly confront the executive and took an early retirement, a year to the official date due to immense pressure, the Seventh Day Adventist faithful had several confrontations with executive and choose to take his bosses head on.
Mr Maraga, who turns 70 while he retires on January 12 after 42 years of legal career, made history for nullifying the 2017 presidential elections creating a row with his boss President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“The greatness of a nation lies in the fidelity of the constitution and strict adherence to the rule of the law…,” CJ Maraga said while making a ruling on the election petition.
He one time accused President Kenyatta of being dictatorial and sidelining the Judiciary while the Head of State said the Chief Justice was causing hindrance to the fight against graft.
The row is believed to have contributed to President’s delay to appoint 41 judges and Judiciary budget cuts with Maraga accusing the executive of failure to adhere to court orders.
CJ Maraga will be remembered for digitization of court services and expansion of courts through the construction of modern buildings.
He also ensured a reduced backlog of cases in court from over 280, 000 in 2016 to about 35, 000 in mid-2020.
The Press Point wishes CJ Maraga all the best after retirement.
What will you remember Maraga for?
