Chairman of the Council of Governors H.E Hon Wycliffe Oparanya has hailed the retired Chief Justice David Maraga for his boldness, and commitment to the rule of law. In a farewell luncheon organized by the Council, H.E Oparanya described Hon Maraga as a servant leader whose tenure saw the growth of jurisprudence. “Undeniably the era of His Lordship has made an unprecedented impact on the evolution of the Judiciary. He has worked tirelessly, compassionately, with humility to transform the Judiciary”, the COG chair remarked. He noted that Hon Maraga had restored faith and confidence in the Judicial system through his progressive style of leadership. The retired Chief Justice acknowledged the role Devolution has played in improving the Governance structures however cautioning the County bosses on the need to uphold integrity at all times. He urged them to ensure they fight to ensure equitable share of resources between the two levels of Government.
“At the national level, although the Legislature and the Judiciary play critical roles, the primary responsibility of implementing the Constitution rests with the Executive arm of government. It is mainly the Executive that has to formulate and execute appropriate implementing policies. At the County level, your Excellences are the heads of the County Executives. It is therefore your responsibility to formulate appropriate implementing policies to equitably share the county resources to all parts of the county,” he said.
The County Governments and the Judiciary have enjoyed strong partnership over the past 5 years. The Counties have experienced fair and independent judgment from the Judiciary. The Decision of the Supreme Court Advisory Reference No.3 of 2019 put to an end the perennial Standoffs during Division of Revenue between the two levels of Government.
The CoG Chairman described CJ Maraga’s tenure as a devolution friendly tenure that truly protected Devolution especially through the advisory. “In his words as quoted in the advisory, honorable David Maraga stated that, “As the Apex Court in this Country, it behoves us, nay, we are obligated by Article 259 of the Constitution, to have a global view of the problem giving rise to this reference and give the Country appropriate direction. To do otherwise would be a dereliction of our duty and obligation to the Kenyan people,” quoted Governor Oparanya.
Chief Justice Maraga retires as a hero and a champion of the people. A man that has been celebrated as a stickler for the rule of law. The President of Law society of Kenya Nelson Havi described it an honor for the retired CJ to receive praise while still alive.
In attendance were several Governors, CJ Maragas wife (Yucabeth), Deputy CJ Philomena Mwilu,Devolution CS Hon Eugene Wamalwa, Members of Parliament and Heads of Independent commissions among other leaders.