By Billian Fatima
In a bold move to tackle corruption within Kenya’s justice system, Chief Justice Anne Mwangi unveiled an ambitious anti-corruption strategy aimed at expediting graft cases and ensuring greater accountability within the Judiciary. Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi on Tuesday, Mwangi declared that the new initiative is a decisive step in the fight against corruption, which she described as a “cancer” threatening the rule of law.
“Corruption is a cancer that threatens the rule of law. Our 2025 plan is a decisive step towards ensuring justice is not delayed or denied,” Chief Justice Mwangi said.
The strategy, which is set to be implemented in phases, includes the establishment of special anti-corruption courts designed to handle graft cases more efficiently. Additionally, the Judiciary will introduce a digital case management system aimed at reducing delays and improving transparency. Another key component of the plan is the increased protection of whistleblowers to encourage reporting of unethical behavior within the system.
To further ensure the integrity of the Judiciary, all officials will undergo thorough vetting to root out corrupt elements. Justice David Omondi, who heads the Anti-Corruption Task Force, emphasized the importance of swift action in handling corruption cases.
“We aim to conclude all graft-related trials within six months. No more endless delays,” said Justice Omondi. The implementation of strict timelines for corruption trials aims to break the cycle of slow proceedings that have previously plagued the system.
In a bid to curb external interference, the Judiciary will also forge stronger partnerships with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Furthermore, judicial officers found guilty of corruption will face severe penalties, signaling the Judiciary’s zero-tolerance policy toward graft.
The announcement has been met with widespread approval from civil society organizations and legal experts. Sarah Wanjiru, the regional director for Transparency International, hailed the initiative as a “much-needed reform,” while stressing the importance of effective implementation.
“The success of this plan will depend on strict enforcement. The Judiciary must show political will,” Wanjiru urged, emphasizing the need for the reforms to be carried out without delay.
Despite the positive reception, some critics remain skeptical. Lawyer Martin Kamau pointed out that similar pledges have been made in the past, but little tangible progress has been seen. "We need action, not just promises. If the Judiciary is serious, we should see results within months," Kamau said.
As the Judiciary now faces the pressure of delivering on its anti-corruption promises, all eyes will be on the execution of the 2025 anti-graft plan. With a focus on transparency, accountability, and efficiency, the initiative has the potential to significantly transform the justice system and restore public trust. However, its success will ultimately depend on how effectively the reforms are enforced and sustained in the long term.
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