Chief Justice Maraga Denies Warning Judges against Administering Oath on Raila

Kenya Chief Justice David Maraga has denied instructing judges and magistrates against taking part in swearing-in of opposition leader Raila Odinga scheduled for January 30th.

On Friday morning, a letter widely circulated on internet platforms and alleged to have been authored by Maraga warned judiciary officials against associating themselves with the opposition’s inauguration ceremony.

However, while addressing journalists in Mombasa, the CJ distanced himself from a letter, noting that he had not issued any warning on his staff over the National Super Alliance’s event.

“Judicial officers are independent and cannot take sides in a ceremony that is political,” he said.

The letter warned judges and magistrates that they risk being charged with treason if they took part in the ceremony.

“President Uhuru Kenyatta was legitimately sworn-in, as such any other swearing-in for the same will be illegal and an attempt to unseat a legitimate government, which would amount to treason,” it stated.

“Therefore all judges and magistrates are hereby cautioned not to engage in such events and/or activities,” the said letter added.