A person who intimidates, willfully insults a judge or a witness during court proceedings will face a jail term of up to six months or Sh200,000 fine, the Contempt of Court Bill passes. The Bill has been introduced in the National Assembly by majority leader Aden Duale. Previously, the preserve for punishment of contempt of court proceedings has been in the High Court. But the proposed law empowers both the High Court and the Court of Appeal to punish, as is done by the High Court of Justice in England. The Bill says such power is critical in upholding the authority and dignity of subordinate courts and the rights of individuals.

Source: The Star August 15, 2016 23:15 UTC