Kenya launches anti-graft division in Judiciary

Kenya on Thursday launched the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division in the Judiciary in order to help speed up prosecution of graft cases in the country.

Kenya Superme Court Chief Justice David Maraga launched the division and directed that all applications challenging prosecution of graft cases are heard in Nairobi, and that all economic crime cases are heard before the newly-created court.

Maraga said judges of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division will be exempted from hearing other cases to ensure graft matters are handled speedily.

He also launched Practice Directions guiding the prosecution of economic crimes in Kenya.

He added that the proper functioning of the division will be fundamental to the success of combating corruption, warning that the court would no longer entertain stay orders and adjournments as these were aimed at "delaying" the course of justice.

"It has become a circus and is very much a delaying tactic. We will not entertain adjournments unless they are well-deserved," he said.

Maraga assured the complainants of free and fair hearings but added that the courts will not convict anyone without sufficient evidence.

"Judiciary will not be a shelter or sanctuary for the corrupt," he said, and called for an end to the blame games between the investigating and prosecution agencies and the Judiciary.

"We must identify where the lapses lie and fix them immediately. Only then can we discharge our respective mandate in the fight against corruption," he added.

He also announced that plans were underway to establish an International and Organized Crime Division that would try selected criminal cases.

Attorney General, Githu Muigai, said that the launch of the Practice Directions for the Division was expected to accelerate the conclusion of the criminal and corruption cases before court.

"The issuance of these Practice Directions will undoubtedly accelerate the conclusion of the matters before court," Muigai said.

Experts say deterrent measures that include lengthy prison terms for individuals accused of corruption as well as public awareness are key to eradicating the vice in Kenya.

They say concerted efforts are urgent to root out the scourge in both the public and private sectors.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta in October admitted that the fight against graft was no an easy one.

Kenyatta defended his government which he said has done more than all previous administrations since independence in fighting graft by sending senior government officials to court. Endit