Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala faced embarrassment after his efforts to hand over three goats to visiting Chief Justice David Kenani Maraga failed terribly.
On Friday September 25th, CJ Maraga who was in Kakamega County to oversee launching of newly built Kakamega Law Courts, is said to have turned down the animal offer in full glare of cameras.
Mr. Malala, while presenting the controversial goats, claimed through his speech that they simbolised three arms of government which include the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary.
But in a shocking move, Maraga while rising reluctantly, said he could not touch the gift however good it was since job’s code of conduct does not allow him to do so. He mentioned that as a CJ he could not be allowed to receive any gift offer of more than sh 20,000.
He added that if tempted to take home such a political gifts, one day it may haunt his legacy in terms of rampant bribing culture in this country.
“This donation puts me in a bad situation. First, if I’m not wrong, the Senator has a case in one of the courts. These three goats would cost over Ksh20,000, and I cannot accept the animals,” said the CJ.
Malala in his speech urged the CJ to rescind his recent advisory to the president to dissolve the parliament for fresh elections.
“We understand that the CJ has every reason to secure his legacy. Kenyans have no problem with that zeal, and the CJ’s quest to uphold the rule of law and Constitutionalism. However, the CJ should call a truce with the Executive and Legislature by withdrawing his advisory to President Kenyatta,” Mr. Malala said.
Also present in the event were Lurambi MP Titus Khamala, Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda and Governor Wycliffe Oparanya.
Maraga who has served his five years is expected to leave office in four month period.
CJ Maraga rejects Senator Malala's gift in Kakamega pic.twitter.com/zO98szlkdx
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) September 25, 2020
