Former Chief Justice, the late Abdul Majid Cockar, narrated how former President Daniel Moi made him visit every week.
In his book titled Doings, Non-Doings & Mis-Doings by Kenya Chief Justices 1963–1998, the former CJ wrote that after appointment, the media was dismissed and Moi invited him to tea and a confidential chat.
During the chat, Moi asked of that as Cockar was not familiar with the thinking of different ethnic communities of Kenya, nor would he understand tribal politics.
The former President directed the CJ to consult him regarding the probable consequences of any legal or factual decisions on sensitive tribal and land matters.
The State House Comptroller had instructions to always arrange the appointments.
“Even if I did not have any specific problem to discuss with him, I should still visit him at least once a week,” he wrote.
Cockar added that like an obedient initiate, he humbly and respectfully agreed to everything that the then president told him and acted exactly according to his advice.
“Of course one cannot in such circumstances tell his president upfront, however, politely to mind his own business and to let the newly appointed CJ carry out his duties to the best of his ability and in conformity with the country’s laws.
The CJ in the memoirs stated that he would never have followed the president's advice or direction in any matter.
Cockar also revealed that before joining the public service he was very introverted and naive.
“I just did not know how to cross-examine. I knew the basics but I did not have the knack or perhaps the technique of wording the question; or perhaps the sequence of approach to be adopted to trap a lying witness giving a rehearsed story,” he admitted.
