Mombasa: The National Assembly and the Judiciary have pledged to strengthen collaboration in tackling shared challenges while affirming that such cooperation will not compromise institutional independence. Speaking at the inaugural joint retreat of the two institutions in Mombasa, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula described the forum as historic, noting that it would enhance relations between Parliament and the Judiciary for the benefit of Kenyans.
According to Kenya News Agency, Chief Justice Martha Koome dispelled concerns that closer engagement could undermine judicial autonomy. She emphasized that while dialogue was important, 'decisional independence remains sacred.' Koome reminded state and public officers that their constitutional mandates are a trust bestowed upon them by the people of Kenya, urging integrity and good faith in the execution of duties.
'We are leaders entrusted with constitutional mandates to serve the public-and the public alone. The Constitution reminds us that this mandate comes directly from the people, to be exercised in good faith and with integrity,' she said. The Chief Justice cautioned against abuse of office, stressing that public trust is the foundation of governance. She underscored accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership as non-negotiable values for safeguarding democracy and strengthening institutions.
Koome also highlighted the Judiciary's resource constraints, revealing that there are only 143 magistrates' courts countrywide, far below the target of at least one in each of the 290 constituencies. She appealed to Parliament for increased budgetary support. In response, Speaker Wetang'ula assured that Parliament would continue to prioritize the Judiciary's funding to ensure efficient service delivery.
The retreat further resolved to promote knowledge-sharing between the two arms and called for legislative measures to curb cyberbullying and disinformation targeting judges and judicial officers.