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Mutunga takes office as Kenya CJ
Dr Willy Mutunga during the vetting by MPs at County Hall in Nairobi on June 7th, 2011
Posted Monday, June 20 2011 at 11:00
Dr Willy Mutunga has taken office as Kenya's Chief Justice with a vow to help recover public trust on the judiciary.
Speaking at the steps of the Nairobi Law Courts moments after he was sworn into office, Dr Mutunga said "it should no longer be possible to speak about corruption and the judiciary in one breath."
He said: "I commit, at the personal and institutional level of the judiciary, to ensure that the courts are accessible to and for all and that the rulings, judgments and pronouncements from the judiciary quench the thirst of the just and uphold the deeds of the law-abiding."
Dr Mutunga was sworn into office at State House Nairobi on Monday together with his deputy, Nancy Baraza and the country's new Director of Public Prosecution Keriako Tobiko.
The brief ceremony was witnessed by President Kibaki, Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Justice Minister Mutula Kilonzo, Attorney-General Amos Wako among other senior government officials.
The Chief Justice has been driven to his office from where he addressed the nation.
The CJ told members of the judiciary that he will be true to his oath of office by upholding the dignity and respect for the institution.
"In return for the independence the Constitution secures for us, we as judges must guard against becoming captives of political, commercial or other interests. It should no longer be possible to speak about corruption and the judiciary in one breath," said Dr Mutunga.
He said Kenyans had a responsibility to monitor, report and ensure that the judiciary is accountable to all.
The CJ urged lawyers to uphold integrity and challenged them to radically lift the ethical standing and conduct of members of the profession.