All elected politicians were members of Kanu before 1992 (except for a short period after Independence). From 1982, section 2A of the old Constitution made this the legal position. Once […]

The courts’ powers to declare law unconstitutional, and their willingness, are crucial to maintaining the “rule of law” in Kenya – a phrase that appears seven times in the Constitution. […]

An item in the Standard (Monday, March 25) was headed, dramatically, “State Property can be auctioned or Cabinet Secretary jailed over debt” and it purported to explain a ruling/judgment by […]

When the death penalty was still imposed (and carried out) in England, judges would put on a formal black cap and pronounce: “You are sentenced to be taken hence to […]

News about our MPs is rarely positive. Recently an audit report said many MPs claim travel expenses for non-existent visits to their constituencies. Apart from the dishonesty involved, this indicates […]

The Court of Appeal has, in the last year, signalled new hope in the field of criminal justice. In two progressive and groundbreaking decisions, it has held that provision in […]

“Prisoners are probably the most rightless group within the population, with neither the law nor the courts providing protection.” This was written in 1986, but was something of an overstatement; […]

Among familiar problems with our law making is that too often Acts passed by Parliament are held unconstitutional, some for inadequate public participation. Others are inconsistent with the constitution – […]