The New York City Bar Association has written a letter to President Uhuru Kenyatta in the wake of his recent attacks on the Kenya Judiciary following the Supreme Court decision that nullified his re-election.
In the letter, President of the Association John S Kiernan expressed his disregard of the recent attacks on the Kenyan Judiciary following the annulment of the August presidential poll.
"Intimidation of the Judiciary subverts the democratic gains consolidated by the decision, we urge the Government of Kenya to continue to respect the independence of the judiciary as provided by the Constitution of Kenya, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and the United Nations (UN) Basic Principles on the Independence of the judiciary," he stated.
Mr Kiernan further applauded the Judiciary for the historic ruling noting that the decision will positively impact the rule of law in Kenya and other jurisdictions around the world.
The Association of lawyers, which is an independent, non-governmental organization with more than 24,000 members, also expressed its support for the Law Society of Kenya and the Magistrate and Judges Association in cautioning against attacks on the Kenyan Judiciary.
Elgeyo-Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, who is also the Senate Majority leader, was also referred in the letter over his remarks that LSK as a "tyrannical monolith" that was working for the political opposition.
"We have since been troubled by reports suggesting that the Executive Branch later made disparaging remarks about Supreme Court judges, and uttered veiled threats toward the judiciary," part of the letter read.
"Intimidation of, and attacks on, the judiciary by government officials undermine judicial, independence and threaten the culture of constitutionalism in Kenya," Mr Kiernan stated
Nonetheless, the Association lauded Mr Kenyatta for calling on Kenyans to respect the rule of law.
"Although you expressed your disagreement with the Supreme Court decision, you stated: “The Court has made its decision; we respect it.” the letter read.
The letter was copied to Chief Justice David Maraga, Attorney General Githu Muigai, Kenya's Ambassador to the United States (US) Robinson Njeru Githae, the President of the law society of Kenya, Mr Isaac E.N Okero and Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association.
Also included in the letter was the Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Hon. Faith Pansy Tlakula, United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Former President of the Republic of South Africa Thabo Mbeki, Former Prime Minister of Senegal Aminata Touré and Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.
