Deputy Chief Justice and Vice President of the Supreme Court, Philomena Mbete Mwilu Friday urged newly recruited resident magistrates to uphold integrity, independence and fidelity to the Constitution as they begin their judicial careers.
Speaking during the closing ceremony of a two-week induction and swearing-in programme at the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi, the Deputy Chief Justice reminded the magistrates that the authority they now exercise is a public trust bestowed upon them by the people of Kenya.
She said the oath taken by the magistrates binds them to serve the Constitution faithfully and to ensure justice is delivered fairly, efficiently and without bias.
“The judicial authority that has been conferred upon you by the people of Kenya is both a solemn honour and a profound responsibility,” Justice Mwilu said. “You accepted not merely a position of employment, but a public trust.”
She emphasised that magistrates must anchor their decisions on constitutional principles such as human dignity, equality, social justice and the rule of law.
During the two-week induction programme, the magistrates were taken through various aspects of judicial practice including judgment writing, plea taking, case management, criminal procedure and human rights sensitivity.
Justice Mwilu also stressed the importance of ethics and integrity in the Judiciary, warning that corruption, favouritism and abuse of office are incompatible with judicial authority.
“The trust reposed in the Judiciary is fragile and must be protected vigilantly,” she said.
The Deputy Chief Justice urged the magistrates to remain steadfast in their commitment to constitutionalism, reminding them that fidelity to the law may sometimes demand personal sacrifice.
“I have a mantra that some of you know I always repeat: Do the right thing. Even where it seems not to be in your best self-interest, do the right thing,” she told the magistrates.
Justice Mwilu further cautioned that judicial officers must maintain conduct befitting their office both inside and outside the courtroom, noting that public confidence in the justice system depends largely on how judicial officers carry themselves.
She highlighted the central role played by magistrates’ courts in the justice system, describing them as the frontline institutions where most Kenyans encounter the Judiciary.
“Transformational change often begins in the magistrate’s courtroom; it is here where public confidence in the rule of law is either strengthened or diminished,” she said.
The magistrates were also encouraged to embrace alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as court-annexed mediation and community-based justice systems as part of efforts to enhance access to justice.
Justice Mwilu noted that technological innovations such as e-filing, the Case Tracking System and initiatives like Mahakama Popote are helping expand access to justice and improve efficiency in the Judiciary.
She urged the new magistrates to treat all court users with dignity and respect, reminding them that behind every case file lies a human story.
“As magistrates, you will serve as the retail face of the Judiciary. Your decisions will shape lives, and your conduct will determine whether justice is experienced as distant and intimidating, or accessible and humane,” she said.
The Deputy Chief Justice concluded by encouraging the magistrates to guard their independence, maintain humility and continuously pursue excellence in judicial service.
She officially declared the induction programme closed and congratulated the new magistrates as they begin their service in the Kenyan Judiciary.
