In bold statement that challenges widespread perceptions of corruption within the judiciary, Dr. Nancy Baraza, a renowned legal expert and former Deputy Chief Justice of Kenya, emphasized the difficult nature of the work judges do. “Judges have a very difficult job and I think they try their best,” Baraza said, defending the integrity of the judiciary amidst a growing number of allegations that have tarnished its reputation.

Baraza pointed out that while allegations of corruption are frequently leveled against judges, concrete evidence to support these claims is often lacking. “We get all these allegations of corruption but nobody comes forward with evidence,” she remarked, highlighting a key issue that has persisted in public discourse about the justice system. 

The former deputy chief justice noted that such allegations often fail to take into account the complex and highly scrutinized nature of judicial decision-making. Judges, she argued, are held to high standards, and accusations of bias or malpractice can stem from misunderstanding or misinterpretation of their rulings rather than misconduct.

Baraza’s comments come at a time when the Kenyan judiciary is under intense scrutiny, both domestically and internationally, as it grapples with concerns over its independence, transparency, and accountability. Public confidence in the system has been shaken by reports of bribery, favoritism, and judicial interference. However, Baraza insists that these generalizations unfairly cast a shadow over the entire judiciary, a body that she believes is largely dedicated to upholding justice.

While acknowledging that no system is perfect, Dr. Baraza’s statement calls for a more balanced and nuanced view of the judiciary. She suggests that the public and the media should focus not only on the negative but also on the positive contributions made by judges in ensuring fairness and justice within society. In a time when trust in public institutions is crucial, Baraza’s defense of the judiciary offers a reminder of the complexities faced by those who serve on the bench.

Link:

Dr. Nancy Baraza: Judges have a very difficult job and I think they try their best. We get all these allegations of corruption but nobody comes forward with evidence. Some of these perceptions unfairly give the judiciary a bad name#CitizenNewsGang@SamGituku pic.twitter.com/Ycsk3HUh3t

— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) November 7, 2024