| Former CJ speaks out on Kenya task | Send to a friend |
| Saturday, 04 February 2012 09:51 |
 By Florence MugarulaThe Citizen Reporter Dar es Salaam: Retired Chief Justice Augustino Ramadhan yesterday spoke out on his appointment to lead a Kenyan tribunal, terming the job a “big honour” for Tanzania and its Judiciary. Judge Ramadhani, who was sworn in on Wednesday, will head a seven-member tribunal appointed by Kenya’s President Mwai Kibaki to investigate suspended deputy Chief Justice, Ms Nancy Baraza, over impropriety charges. In a telephone interview with The Citizen on Saturday from Nairobi yesterday, Judge Ramadhani said other than his personal fulfillment, the task was a recognition of Tanzania’s place among fellow countries in the region. He said his appointment basically demonstrated respect for Tanzania’s court system and the country in general. “It was a pleasant surprise to receive the news that with it comes great honour for the country and the Judiciary that I served at the highest level,” he said. Other members of the team are Prof Judith Mbula Behemuka, Justice (Rtd) Philip Ransley, Surinder Kapila, Beauttah Alukhava Siganga, Grace Barbara Ngele Madoka and Prof Mugambi Jesse Ndwiga Kanyua. Commenting on the preparations to head the investigation team, the former CJ said his duty was to head the team, which is acting according to the law, insisting that legal procedures would be followed effectively. He said the team would act according to the court procedures. “ We are prepared to deal with the matter by following legal and all court procedures because we have a case ahead,” said the former CJ. On the challenges, Judge Ramadhani said it was difficult to discuss them before starting the job. He noted that he would be comfortable to discuss them after going through the case. “I think it would be better to talk about challenges and other related issues after the proceedings start; I cannot comment on that at this stage,” said Mr Ramadhani. The tribunal will investigate allegations of misconduct against Ms Baraza, who as the first Kenya’s deputy CJ, has come under scrutiny and accused of assaulting and threatening a guard at a shopping mall. The suspended deputy CJ is accused of threatening a guard, Ms Rebecca Kerubo, at the Village Market on New Year’s Eve. The guard accused Ms Baraza of refusing to be frisked in a routine security check, pinched her nose and threatened to shoot her. Justice Ramadhani’s tribunal will, however, wait for completion of a court case that Ms Baraza has filed challenging her investigation. Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites           |
