Develop Thick Skin, President Uhuru Tells Chief Justice David Maraga

President Kenyatta on Friday told Chief Justice David Maraga to toughen up because his harsh criticism and negative comments will directed at him by the virtue of the position he holds.

“I speak from my experience as a politician…Kenyans will say what they have to say and most of the times it will not be flattering. That is democracy. One of the things I have learnt is just grow a thick skin Chief Justice,” President Uhuru told Maraga.

Following the annulment of his August 8th victory, President Kenyatta was critical of the Chief Justice Maraga and the other judges who ruled in favor of cancellation of the poll. Uhuru was quoted branding the judges as ‘wakora’ (crooks) while on a meet-the-people tour at Burma market, hours after the apex court delivered the landmark ruling.

The head of state further called on the Judiciary take into consideration the effects of their ruling could have on the ordinary Kenyans. “Any decision that negatively affects the desire of a better, prosperous life for the average Kenyan or their safety or wellbeing should be carefully interrogated before being undertaken,” he said.

The President was speaking when he graced the launch of the State of the Judiciary and the Administration of Justice Report at the Supreme Court on Friday.