Appeals Court Responds to President Uhuru's Attacks on the Judiciary

The Appeals Court has warned parties in the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) appeal case against prosecuting the matter in the media.

On Wednesday, the court held a case management conference for the appeal filed by the Attorney-General, IEBC, President Kenyatta, and ODM leader Raila Odinga.

The session was presided over by Court of Appeal President Daniel Musinga and Lady Justices Roselyn Nambuye and Hannah Okwengu.

During the presentations, one of the attorneys informed the court about President Kenyatta’s remarks in which he hit out at the High Court for nullifying the BBI Bill. He argued that the president’s remarks amounted to contempt of court.

Responding to the lawyer’s concern, Justice Musinga directed parties not to prosecute the case in the media and urged them to give the court adequate space to hear the case and make its determination.

“Let us be civil, let us respect one another, let us balance our comments, and realize we have an important judicial process that must be handled in an important manner,” Justice Musinga said.

“We don’t have to prosecute or defend our respective position in the media, allow the courts to make a fair, properly informed position without unnecessary attacks by all concerned parties.”

During Madaraka Day celebrations on Tuesday, Kenyatta castigated the judiciary for declaring the BBI Bill unconstitutional, accusing the institution of overstepping its mandate.

The consolidated appeal will be heard by seven judges in an open court for four days beginning June 29th.

The bench will be constituted by Justice Musinga with the permission of Chief Justice Martha Koome.

Oral submissions from appellants and respondents will be limited to two hours and replies to 30 minutes.