www.Kisii.Com: Syndicated news from only reputable sources [Nation, and Standard Newspapers, Kenya Times, KBC, etc.]

Gangs targeting judges, Bosire says

  • Print
Details
Published on Tuesday, 30 December 2008 21:44
Two appellate judges claim criminals have targeted senior members of the Judiciary. Justices Samuel Bosire and Riaga Omollo alleged the killer gangs were after judges and their families. "It is worrisome that judges’ families have become targets of criminal acts. When death comes through a criminal act, you don’t know what is happening," Justice Bosire said.

They asked the Government to address "worrying" insecurity in the country and protect the Judiciary. Justice Bosire spoke on Sunday during the burial of his elder brother, Prof Japheth Maranga, at Metamaywa in Borabu District. Maranga, 76, who until his death was a lecturer at Eastern Africa University, Baraton, was shot dead by armed men two weeks ago, outside his house.

Justice Osiemo lost his brother in a similar attack in Birongo, Masaba District, on Sunday. Justice Bosire asked the police to intensify surveillance in judges’ home. Justice Omollo, who delivered a message of condolence to the bereaved family from Chief Justice Evan Gicheru, said Kenyans had a right to demand protection from the Government. "We pay tax and therefore are entitled to protection by State security. It is our right as Kenyans to demand for it," he charged.

Other judges at the burial were Justices Sarah Ondeyo and David Maraga. Education Minister Sam Ongeri, his Public Works counterpart Chris Obure, local MP Wilfred Ombui and his Kitutu Masaba counterpart Walter Nyambati, and Nyanza PC Paul Olando also attended.

Mr Olando conceded insecurity in Gusiiland, but assured residents that the Government had put in measures to ensure security during the festive season. "Some people have grouped themselves to commit crimes for purposes of amassing wealth or are out for hire," he said.Prof Ongeri, who read a message from President Kibaki issued a stern warning to the gangs saying: "Your time is up. We can’t allow you to destroy a community and society."

He said the Government would not tolerate any form of brutality. "If we don’t stamp out this insecurity now, it won’t end. I urge residents to co-operate with the new police unit to eradicate the killer gangs," he said.He paid tribute to Maranga, saying he was a great scholar who had made tremendous contribution to education.