Of Judges and Green Aprons....

Since the new constitution was auspiciously promulgated, Kenya has been on a fever of change. For a long time Kenya had been run in a way that left a lot to be desired and finally the new constitution ushered an avenue for change and reforms to be nurtured. This long awaited constitution has inspired Kenyans hope more than any other occasion or ever done. It was quite a heartwarming moment when the old judicial guard started to pave way for a new command. It was especially captivating for Kenyans to watch candidates get grilled on Live television, this was a sign that accountability was starting to penetrate our systems. For the first time ever Kenyans were indulged in transparent public vetting and appointment, marvelous.

To many the old "Costume" was a vestigial remnant of the colonial heritage. Some members of the Justice system had rather unkind words for it...The most notable flaw is that it looked more like an apron, It lacked the stature and majestic appeal that should epitomize Judicial attire. To say the least, It was Hideous and embarrassing, I reckon the Judges should seek an embarrassment allowance for wearing those "green petticoats".

Finally after the rigorous process was concluded things settled down and Kenyans expected work. For a while things were a bit subliminal and the changes were imperceptible save for the new faces and different rhetoric. Then recently things started emerging and most notable was the new Judicial costume. For the longest while Kenyan Judges had worn the old and faithful wigs and red robes. These of course were inherited from the British. To many the old "Costume" was a vestigial remnant of the colonial heritage. Some members of the Justice system had rather unkind words for it. After a Judges colloquium in Mombasa the Chief Justice Willy Mutunga a 47 page paper titled "DRESSING AND ADDRESSING THE KENYAN JUDICIARY". This paper paved way for a panel to bring up a new Judicial attire.

In the first ever convening of the Supreme court Kenyans were introduced to the new Judicial attire. It was shock and awe and I am not saying it was spectacular, No! It was rather rudimentary. To begin with it was green and a rather dull green. Something Close to the AHS jersey green and as many Alliance high School students would agree, the AHS jerseys were not the most appealing item of dressing. The most notable flaw is that it looked more like an apron, It lacked the stature and majestic appeal that should epitomize Judicial attire. To say the least, It was Hideous and embarrassing, I reckon the Judges should seek an embarrassment allowance for wearing those "green petticoats".

All that aside I think that the attire issue was mistimed. The fact that the CJ could engage so thoroughly on a matter so fringe leaves a lot be desired. The truth is that there are more urgent Judicial issues to be addressed and a deep indulgence in cosmetics is just injudicious. There is more to change than aesthetics, The Judicial robes are not the problem in the Justice system. I feel the Judicial establishment should pursue efficiency rather than appearance, nothing more, Nothing less...