We Are Not Equals, Chief Justice Maraga Tells Uhuru

Chief Justice David Maraga on Thursday said that he and President Kenyatta are not equals and that they play in different leagues.

Speaking at the Supreme Court in Nairobi during the official release of the State of the Judiciary and Administrative of Justice Report, Maraga categorically stated that the President is way above him and his status is only equal to that of the Speakers of the Senate and National Assembly.

"He is not only the chief of the executive but the head of state. He is the unifying factor. And I recognize that Your Excellency," he said while addressing Uhuru, who graced the function.

"You are in a senior league… Mine is on a lower level.. my league is with that of the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Senate.. That is where I belong ...the other officials of government are below us…"

Maraga further noted that even when there are disagreements, he will be the last person to disrespect the president as they are not equals or age mates.

"I will be the last person to stand and try to talk badly...why do I say so,.. mimi si rika yako (I am not your age mate).. you play from a different league. There can be a few disagreements here and there I am one person who respects authority.. I will be the last person to stand and appear like nakusomea (I am scolding you) ..." he said.

At the same time, Maraga dismissed claims that there are rifts between the Executive arm of the government and the Judiciary, adding that the issues he raised during an explosive press briefing last month were misunderstood. 

"When I had a press conference last December, I raised a few issues that some of which have been misunderstood. I saw from social media that the arms of the government are at loggerheads. That's not right and that is not correct," Maraga stated.

During the presser, Maraga threatened to boycott some state functions unless the Executive starts treating him and the Judiciary with the respect they deserve.

"Unless I am treated with the respect I deserve, I will choose state functions to attend. The CJ is not accorded the respect accorded to his office. CSs and PSs are cleared to enter in places before the Chief Justice," he said.