Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu has assured members of the public that the proceedings against National Youth Service (NYS) scandal suspects will be expedited.
The DCJ further asserted that the judges involved with the suit will not be intimidated but will remain alert to any delay tactics attempted by lawyers and the suspects.
"Judges and magistrates should be alert to delay tactics and other technicalities that lawyers in these cases are likely to introduce and steer clear of them," she stated.
The judge further explained that the courts will consider the provisions of the law as well as the prevailing public mood in determining a sentence for those found guilty of the theft.
[caption caption="File image of DCJ Philomena Mwilu"]
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"Although the law does not provide the maximum time frame within which criminal cases should be tried as is the case with election petitions, I don’t think there is any Judiciary official who is blind to the prevailing mood in the country.
"We all need to fight corruption and the courts will play its role," she explained.
President Uhuru Kenyatta, during his Madaraka Day address, outlined that those implicated in the theft case would bear their own cross as he noted that Kenyans were angry with the government over such officials.
DCJ Mwilu further invited the public to report any judges or court officials involved in bribery and graft at the courts to her office.
She serves as the Judiciary Ombudsman and assured that prompt action would be taken against such office holders.
"Once such complaints come to my office complete with supporting evidence, I will not be hesitating to forward such judicial officials to the Judicial Service Commission," she stated.
[caption caption="File image of NYS scandal suspects during a court appearance"]
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