Chief Justice David Maraga. [Source/Maraga]
A former diplomat and civil servant has heaped praises on retiring Chief Justice David Maraga over what he termed as stellar performance as the head of Judiciary.
Maraga, the country's 14th CJ, assumed office on October 9, 2016 and will retire on January 12, 2021 after attaining age of 70 which is the maximum constitutional requirement.
Amb. Mohamud Saleh, a former Kenyan Ambassador to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, spoke highly of Maraga saying he was fair, neutral and balanced during the four years he has served as the president of the Supreme Court.
In a post on his Twitter account, Saleh opined Maraga's successor will find it difficult to fit in his predecessor's big shoes.
"CJ Maraga will go down in history as one of the most balanced, neutral, consistent, fair but at the same time very firm Chief Justices of the Republic of Kenya. Those aspiring to fill the position of the CJ will find it hard to equal to the high standards set by CJ David Maraga," Saleh posted on Friday.
The outgoing CJ made history in 2017 when his led Supreme Court nullified the victory of President Uhuru Kenyatta following a petition filed by his rival Raila Odinga of ODM.
Speaking during the launch of the State of Judiciary and Administration of the Justice Report and which was his last official function, the CJ said he has nothing against Uhuru as he was apolitical and did not hold brief for anyone.
"To our President, wherever you are, it is clear that there is a difference of opinion between me and you. But I want to assure you, and the entire nation, that I have nothing personal against you," Maraga said on Friday.
On the ongoing debate on the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), he urged citizens to oppose it if it would interfere with the independence of courts.
"I retire a happy man even though I did not achieve my vision. I urge Kenyans to reject any changes in the BBI that threaten the independence of the Judiciary," the CJ stated.