Chief Justice David Maraga has warned media practitioners in Kenya on the dangers that come with covering corruption scandals.
Speaking at the inaugural Press Club, a media event organized by the Editors' Guild, Maraga asserted that journalists covering high voltage corruption cases would undoubtedly face threats and other attacks.
He, however, asked them to be steadfast in their work which he hailed for its ability to reach regular citizens across the nation.
"As you report on corruption, you will be vilified and threatened. But you must see your work as a sacrifice for this country," he stated.
He explained that the judiciary was dependent on the media to keep the populace informed on their activities as he appealed to industry stakeholders to use their platforms for the betterment of the society.
[caption caption="CJ David Maraga at Press Club on 12/06/2018"]
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"We count on the media to inform Wanjiku on the Judiciary's work. Productive linkages between the media and public institutions can help fill the gap to inform the people," Maraga noted.
In addition, he dismissed allegations that the Judiciary was frustrating efforts by the media to expose various scandals by issuing gag orders against them.
Most recently, media houses and bloggers were hit with gag orders when covering the unfolding Ruaraka land scandal.
In a botched acquisition of the 13.5-acre piece of land on which two public schools sit, the government is accused of irregularly paying Sh3.2 Billion to Afrison Exports and Imports Ltd and Huelands Ltd.
He maintained that matters in court were determined by judges on a case-by-case basis, urging journalists to challenge orders they felt were unjust.
Maraga also reiterated his commitment to the war against corruption in light of recent mega scandals at the National Youth Service (NYS), National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), Kenya Pipeline and more.
"Judiciary is committed to end corruption and is counting on the cooperation from all the other government organs," he declared.
[caption caption="CJ David Maraga speaking at Press Club on 12/06/2018"]
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