Justice Should Not Be Paid For–Kagame

President Paul Kagame has warned members of judicial fraternity against ostensible corruption while rendering justice to Rwandan population.

While presiding over the swearing-in ceremony of the new Chief Justice Prof. Sam Rugege and his deputy Sylvie Zainabo Kayitesi, Kagame said that Justice should be paid for.

“Justice is for all not for only those who are able to pay. It should be equally rendered to all,” Kagame said in his speech after the two senior officials of Supreme Court were sworn-in.

“We have seen the trend of paid justice shrinking. The culture of giving justice to a selected few due to their ability to pay for it or positions or influence should not be tolerated,” Kagame said while describing the weight of responsibilities the two chief justices have to carry as senior officials at Supreme Court.

He reminded the new officials sworn-in that Supreme Court was the highest level where Justice is expected and being examples to all other levels of justice.

“This court should not be doubted by public, the public should have confidence in it as it renders the expected and desired justice. It should be a court of reference for proper justice and that gives you heavy responsibility to shape Rwandan justice more to its excellence,” He added.

The president urged the two new senior judicial officials to carryout justice responsibility beyond the country’s boundaries to international relations.

“You should remember that justice supports the country’s development.It’s imperative you do the best for the interests of general public,” Kagame said.

He pointed out that the new chief justice and his deputy should work hand in hand to improve justice in the country.

In his speech, President Kagame first commended the out-going chief justice Aloysia Cyanzayire for a great work done towards judicial reforms.

He said the judicial reforms saw qualified staff increase, renovation and construction of judicial facilities, reduction of the backlogs of cases that had piled during and before 1994 Genocide and the use of ICT where one can file a case without necessarily having queue at registrar’s office.

ENDS