Kithure Kindiki on Monday, November 4, issued a subtle challenge to the Supreme Court in his first remarks since he was sworn in as the Deputy President.
Kindiki was among several dignitaries who attended the official opening of the Supreme Court of Kenya's twelfth Jurisprudential Conference in Nairobi.
In the event which was presided over by President William Ruto, all eyes were on Kindiki as Kenyans at large waited to listen to the new DP's first sentiments, since his swearing-in.
The new DP challenged the judiciary to find mechanisms to balance between public interest and the higher national interest.
While referencing Chapter 238 of the 2010 constitution which addresses national security, Kindiki noted that at times, the Judiciary's focus on addressing public interest could come at the expense of national welfare.
He added, "Other than the parameters and the principles of the court help us to understand the public interest, are there other higher values and principles which are crucial to the existence of Kenya? Because the public can do the wrong things which threaten the existence of the state.
"That is the dead front of jurisprudence I want us to think about."
The new DP admitted his sentiments had hints of bias since he was in the country's security docket for two years, but insisted that there was a need for the courts to protect 'higher interests' while conducting their mandate.
Kindiki, who served as the Interior Cabinet Secretary for two years, also hailed the Supreme Court and Judiciary at large as one of the arms of government which were most efficient in conducting their mandate.
"I remember during the COVID-19 time, the Supreme Court made judgement more efficient even when locked down by this pandemic. Even after COVID-19, it is now certain that the way of the future is through virtual. The Supreme Court has done a good job," Kindiki remarked, adding that the key challenge was to improve the Supreme Court's physical facilities.
He added, "The only little thing that progress needs to be done is the issue of physical facilities for the courts. The Supreme Court needs to make sure they have a modern physical infrastructure for delivering justice."
Kindiki's sentiments came just days after his predecessor, ousted DP Rigathi Gachagua, was dealt the ultimate blow by the High Court, which cleared the path for the Interior CS's swearing-in.
The decision followed a tedious court battle where Gachagua, through his lawyers, sought to exploit every legal loophole in an attempt to contest his impeachment.
