Chief Justice David Maraga has spoken against a trend where senior government officials have disobeyed court orders in the past week.
Maraga on Wednesday said such acts are harmful to the rule of law.
He spoke in reference to the Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett and DCI Boss George Kinoti disobeying High Court orders issued by Judge Luka Kimaru on Monday.
Also, the Communication Authority of Kenya has found itself at odds after it failed to effect a court order requiring it to switch on TV signals for KTN, NTV and Citizen TV last week on Wednesday.
In a statement according to the Star, Maraga said: “Magistrates and judges have liberty to invoke legal avenues available to enforce orders.
“The recent disregard of court orders is an act that is not only inimical to the rule of law but also completely at odds with Kenyans’ constitutional rights,” he added.
He noted that compliance with court orders is not optional; every Kenyan is obligated to do so regardless of rank in government.
He warned that any state officer who disobeys court orders will be held in contempt of court.
“To disobey a court order is not only a violation of the constitution but also dereliction of public duty.”
The CJ assured Kenyans that the courts will continue to dispense justice with authority and independence.
“We will ensure the rule of law, justice, good governance and equality are entrenched through our courts.”