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Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza has apologised for the "unfortunate" incident at Village Market on Saturday saying she had no intention of "arrogance or ill will" January 4, 2012. FILE
By ANGIRA ZADOCK zangira@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Wednesday, January 4 2012 at 22:00
Posted Wednesday, January 4 2012 at 22:00
Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza on Wednesday denied threatening a security guard with a gun during a scuffle in a Nairobi shopping mall.
Ms Baraza admitted that there was a confrontation with the Village Market guard, Ms Rebecca Kerubo, but denied the gun claim.
“I have never been issued with a gun,” Ms Baraza told the Nation.
Her denial came as Ms Kerubo spoke out about the encounter describing it as one of the most traumatising in her life.
The mother of three told the Nation that she had only worked at the Village Market, a shopping mall in Nairobi, for a month.
During that time, she said, she occasionally met difficult clients who refused to be screened but had never encountered one armed with a gun.
Most businesses have stepped up security measures because of the threat posed by Al-Shabaab, the Somali Islamist rebels who are under attack by the Kenya Defence Forces.
On Wednesday, the Village Market said in a statement that it regrets the negative publicity around the deputy CJ’s incident, but insisted that its security measures apply to all persons visiting the shopping mall without exception.
Ms Baraza described the incident as unfortunate and asked Kenyans to allow police to do their investigations.‘‘.... the measures include the use of metal detectors and search of all motor vehicles and persons entering the premises to ensure their safety,’’ a statement signed by the management said.
She said that she had been apprehensive about her security in the recent past after a number of incidents in and out of her office.
She did not elaborate on the incidents in a statement sent to newsrooms, but said she had asked for extra bodyguards.
Ms Baraza is normally guarded by three police officers, two women and a man.
But on Saturday when the incident happened, only two were on duty as one was said to be unwell.
Ms Kerubo said the deputy CJ was dropped at the Village Market at around 6pm in a blue Toyota Prado with GK registration numbers.
She was carrying a small black purse and walked past the security guards towards a pharmacy without being screened.
“I followed her to the pharmacy’s counter, oblivious of the danger I was exposing myself to,” said Ms Kerubo.
She said that Ms Baraza told her that she was a senior government official before dismissing her, saying that she ought to know senior people.
But the guard said that she stood firm and insisted that she had to check Ms Baraza’s purse.
But the guard said that she stood firm and insisted that she had to check Ms Baraza’s purse.
“As we were arguing, her male bodyguard came nearer. She ordered him to shoot me, but he declined,” said Ms Kerubo.
The deputy CJ then allegedly left for the parking lot, only to return with a pistol, the guard told police when she reported the incident at Gigiri.
The KK security guards manning the parking area said they did not see Ms Baraza go back to her vehicle.
From the time she entered the pharmacy, the only time she was seen leaving was when she was being escorted back to the car by her male bodyguard.
Gigiri OCPD Patrick Mwakio said CCTV footage viewed did not capture the gun.
“At this point, it would be inappropriate and prejudicial to make further comment on a matter which is under active police investigation,” she said in a statement sent to newsrooms.Ms Baraza on Wednesday said she certainly had no intention of high-handedness, arrogance or ill-will.
She urged the public to allow police to investigate the matter without interference.
Ms Baraza said she had requested for increased security following a number of security incidents in and outside her office.
COMMENTS FROM READERS
- Submitted by liberty911in the west you meet with $$ billionaires in the shopping malls..people are very exited to try get a picture or an autograph,in this case of pcdj,it shows how people get drunk by power .Posted January 04, 2012 08:53 PM
- Submitted by little1920Impunity - is it rearing its ugly head here already? Let people do thier jobs madam DCJ. It will be hard to explain this as anythong but arrogance and high handedness. Its amazing what a little power bring out of the most impecable individuals......Posted January 04, 2012 08:52 PM
- Submitted by sufkim2011The degree of ineptness that is displayed by this incident, points a finger to how inefficient the security apparatus of Deputy CJ Baraza is. The arrogance thus displayed by Ms. Baraza in handling of the security officer, that was doing her duty, leaves a lot to be desired. The security detail should be proactive and think like professionals and not like goons that accompany dictators like Idi Amin. For her own security, she should heed to this advice, otherwise she is a problem waiting to happen. Employ professional security chief, in your detail, to arrange your trips.Posted January 04, 2012 08:49 PM
- Submitted by ceasefireNancy Baraza, You want to fail Kenyans?. Definitely on day it will cost you. Please DCJ can you reform and humble yourself.Posted January 04, 2012 08:47 PM
- Submitted by okish2011Madam DCJ is wayyyy out of line.Humility does open does.I bet the CJ Dr.mutunga would have cooperated.And the reasons she gives for her conduct are ridiculous.When impunity end when supposed good people are easily corrupted by power here in Kenya!To immagine that even our prezzo is humble in his own way,why not everyone in authority emulate him.This mall is a pvt area so must be respected as such and not expect to awe everyone into zombies in their work.This is security which ought to be everyones concern in Kenya today..Posted January 04, 2012 08:39 PM
- Submitted by olenguitui@NDEBELE, not everybody knows who the state officers are, some people don't even know all the ministers. Obama and his wife queues with common citizens when shopping, who are these Barazas to behave as if they are from Jupiter.Posted January 04, 2012 08:25 PM
- Submitted by jakenyaIf she says that it was because of her "increased security", then the lady was actually guaranteeing her more security in the mall by doing these searches. I personaly can't recognize Nancy Baraza if I meet her in the streets. She was absolutely wrong and displayed arrogance of the highest order. The lady should sue her!Posted January 04, 2012 06:56 PM
- Submitted by Isaya BarazaOn my opinion, it was wrong for the guard to conduct a body search to the DCJ for the fact that she has her own Security 24/7 and thus she cannot be a security threat to anybody. We should conduct body such in a respective manner not as a sign of intmidation.Posted January 04, 2012 06:56 PM
- Submitted by KibanyasThis reminds me of a news story I read about airplane captains being subjected to the body screening. One captain asked: you cannot trust me and I am the guy to take that plane up with over 500 lives! tssss tssss tssssss!Posted January 04, 2012 06:39 PM
- Submitted by mwanoo1I salute Rebecca Morara, the security guard. May you get justice!!Posted January 04, 2012 06:36 PM
- Submitted by lukoa2001Odd is life! Did madam CJ really believe that the poor gal guarding a post was a threat to her life? Laughable! The gal may lose her job but no detail of the scene escaped the eye of God-the God of true JUSTICE.Posted January 04, 2012 06:36 PM
- Submitted by kongongoThe Deputy CJ is having a hard lesson on public life. My question is; does she have so-called handlers?Posted January 04, 2012 06:30 PM
- Submitted by mzee_mojaThis lady security guard should get in touch with me. I will pay her lawyer to sue the deputy CJ for damages and emotional distress!!!Posted January 04, 2012 06:29 PM
- Submitted by kingaiyaSome of those security officers are former millitary and police officers who lost their jobs during the Nyayo era as Baraza was enjoying her life before turning to be a gold digger.....Respect, Respect is what the Kenyans want from the new constitution!Posted January 04, 2012 06:25 PM
- Submitted by kamjanjasshe needs to first apologise to the Guard personnaly and desist from being carried away by trappings of powerPosted January 04, 2012 06:17 PM
- Submitted by Mkombozi2@NDEBELE Spare us your rudimentary village thinking which is exactly why Africa remains in the 18th century. If security guards are supposed to treat the Deputy Chief Justice with the "big man" syndrome, then they'll have to do so for all public officials (Ministers, Deputies, Permanent Secretaries, etc) and one wonders where we'll draw the line. In all countries around the world, ONLY the President and Vice-President/Prime Minister receive exceptional treatment. The rest must be treated as ordinary citizens, coz public office is about SERVICE, not privilege.Posted January 04, 2012 06:14 PM
- Submitted by ruiruarkRebacca's employer should promote her with immediate effect. She was just doing what she is paid to do. As for my fellow Kenyans, do you see what power does to the people we entrust to run our institutions? Just imagine this lady was a civil rights activist until several months ago!!Posted January 04, 2012 06:06 PM
- Submitted by keynotes1972Madam DCJ your security is as important as job security of faithful citizens like Rebecca. There is no better patriotic act than allowing everyone perform their duty just as you ask to be allowed without interference from a blotted ego of a public servant like you did. DCJ, apologies to Rebecca and to the nation because the incident was unbecoming, indecent, and unacceptable, arrogant, dismissive and elitist at best. (iboirungu20) Obama is isn't an epitome of good behavior. Good behavior is not good because its done by Obama, (mental slavery) but have inherent quality done or not by an American.Posted January 04, 2012 06:02 PM
- Submitted by cm83@marston, does DCJ expect everyone in this country to physically know her?...furthermore, that was a private property, she ought to have respected the rules and regulations of the premise, and bearing in mind that there is security threat from alshabaab, anyone can personate the high and mighty even the president...she is undermining the security measures put in place currently in kenya...let her resign..her position doesnt allow this kind of impunity...she should be fighting impunity not exercising it...Posted January 04, 2012 05:52 PM
- Submitted by obligatoThis civil society types thrived on brashness to get noticed by their ,masters. We mistook this for boldness. Watch for more from this space!!Posted January 04, 2012 05:44 PM
- Submitted by kenyawillriseRefusing a search shows how our deputy justice acts in her office esp to her juniors. It also shows the pride and lack humility to respect the law she promised to enforce and protect. We thought we found a new fresh attitude in Kenya's judiciary, but I guess I was wrong. I really feel this was wrong for our deputy CJ.Posted January 04, 2012 05:41 PM
- Submitted by loidwamaiMadam DCJ, please proceed on to matters more important, apology accepted.Posted January 04, 2012 05:38 PM
- Submitted by villagevoiceWe cannot rule out the fact that generally government officials, by virtue of the offices they occupy, possess and enjoy privileges and immunities, that cannot be afforded to a common citizen. Most of the government officials for instance use public cars, have publicly provided security and office space. All these and more might not be in the constitution, but are commonly accepted. I think the same applies to "screening." However, to avoid confusion that might arise from people impersonation or taking after others, senior government officials must have some form of id to show at such screenings.Posted January 04, 2012 05:37 PM
- Submitted by loboko82Typical African;breaths, smells, speaks and eats power!! My people have failed me.Posted January 04, 2012 05:35 PM
- Submitted by CoucalDon't want to throw my 2 cents before knowing what happened at Village Market. Can some one enlighten me please: Madam DCJ alifanya nini? Any possibility that she can be flogged to the courts apology not withstanding? Sheria ni Sheria. Ama?Posted January 04, 2012 05:30 PM
- Submitted by OsogowinyoDid you guys know that even former US Secretary of Defence, Donald Rumsfeld, underwent the partdown at the US Airports? Do you think the TSA agents knew who he was? Lets give the Rebecca for doing her job. The law is there to be obeyed by everyone, after all even the DCJ could turn to a terrorist and bomb village market. We need brave kenyans like RebeccaPosted January 04, 2012 05:30 PM
- Submitted by mungichIn a truly democratic country, all are supposed to be treated equally, and people of Ms Baraza's calibre would happily oblige as a courtesy to society in general and to the ideal of equality of all citizens specifically. But not in the 'new Kenya' where Ndebele thinks he/she should be shafted so a self-important 'big person' can get exceptional treatment.Posted January 04, 2012 05:29 PM
- Submitted by voiceofhague@NDEBELE,are you for real?,you are suffering from Nyayoism or it was on a light note?Posted January 04, 2012 05:28 PM
- Submitted by AlimamaHow many CEOs actually some owning companies who earn ten fold than this lady go through security checks in Kenya and they never raise their finger. Actually if she is concerned about her security she should try not to be noticed. It confirms that sometimes formal education is over rated.Posted January 04, 2012 05:27 PM
- Submitted by VinceNianMrs. DCJ, what if you learned someone walked into a bank, claimed to be "You" and withdrew 5 Million in cash from your account? Would you say you are paranoiac of your personal safety? Would you say, "Ujue watu?" Even then, why threaten a guard in uniform, at her workplace with an excuse of fearing for your security? Did you suspect her? Even if you did, was threatening the best move you would take when your safety is 'unassumingly' at a stake? Besides, what are the police investigating?Posted January 04, 2012 05:18 PM
- Submitted by LEOHIIShame on Nancy Baraza- for someone who claims to fight for women rights to look down upon a fellow woman and threaten her simply because she is a security guard is a big shame. And the corps, how long does it take to investigate something so simple all the way from Saturday?Posted January 04, 2012 05:13 PM
- Submitted by TribelessLesson Number 1: Be humble always, but especially when in positions of power Lesson number 2: Never mess up an apology with an excusePosted January 04, 2012 05:13 PM
- Submitted by kielleedawnis it true ali twist mapua?Posted January 04, 2012 05:07 PM
- Submitted by JkiingIf that is true Madam,your reasons doesn't co-orrelate with the issue of harassment that is alleged you did to this lady.i fail to understand or figure out how you saw this other fellow citizen,if it is true,please humble yourself and resign.i am beginning to loose total confidence on you and your leadership.Posted January 04, 2012 05:04 PM
- Submitted by zem2011I was taken aback when I read this first.But,if Nancy Baraza has apologized,she should be forgiven.I hope she learns from this and she get humbled.I take the apology positively.I think the mindset of Kenyans in high positions thinking they are above everything is still alive.We should humble ourselves alwaysPosted January 04, 2012 04:59 PM
- Submitted by taikaEveryone should be body searched. Assume this to be a case of impersonation,or even if not, we have had some civil servants killing their own.Posted January 04, 2012 04:56 PM
- Submitted by kijikoBody search deputy chief justice... Security lady please go for more training. This was ill intention. Pls dcj make sure you get your security in place.. I can smell a ratPosted January 04, 2012 04:51 PM
- Submitted by chairmanmaoRebecca, the guard, was simply doing her job diligently. So does she have to salute to all bureaucrats while riffling through the rest of us?Posted January 04, 2012 04:51 PM
- Submitted by True_PatriotMadam deputy CJ this is a classic example of how power corrupts absolutely.Posted January 04, 2012 04:47 PM
- Submitted by HAJI@NDEBELE is that sarcasm or u are serious?If u mean it, that is just the attitude we collective fought to eradicate.We want a Kenya of equality and Ms Baraza was appointed in that spirit.We can give the benefit of doubt because its the first time but she should avoid embarrassing herself in this new Kenya. The days of Afande are gone or so we hope and a sense of respect and responsibility must prevail.Congrats to the security lady and we will watch closely what happens to her.Posted January 04, 2012 04:47 PM
- Submitted by marston@NDEBELE, I think you got it wrong here.Did she show her ID to show who she was? Not everyone knows who is the DCJ by appearance. What if someone had impersonated her? What the DCJ showed is impunity. I fear for those who will be unlucky to appear in a court she is presiding over.And I also fear for the guard whose job is now on the line.Posted January 04, 2012 04:41 PM
- Submitted by marston@NDEBELE, I think you got it wrong here.Did she show her ID to show who she was? Not everyone knows who is the DCJ by appearance. What if someone had impersonated her? What the DCJ showed is impunity. I fear for those who will be unlucky to appear in a court she is presiding over.And I also fear for the guard whose job is now on the line.Posted January 04, 2012 04:40 PM
- Submitted by Alimama@Ndebele, a terrorist can come and pause as the Deputy CJ to be allowed. Any civil servant can be a state officer. This shows that she lacks humility and might not survive for long. Success is measured by how you treat ordinary people like sweepers, security guards, house helps, drivers etc. Intelligence guys will tell you that only the President is exempted from watch. Handling success is the hardest thing in the world.Posted January 04, 2012 04:37 PM
- Submitted by iboirungu20When Deputy CJ decided to visit Village market in her capacity as a Private citizen she is automatically like any Wanjiku and should submit to security check ups.Whenever Obama sneaks into a pizza shop or ice cream parlour for a snack...he queues like the rest of us, makes his order,waits and swipes his credit card like the rest of the Joes.Shame on you Mrs BarazaPosted January 04, 2012 04:32 PM
- Submitted by sawamenjaing body search to a chief justice(deputy)? this is absurd. she is the top in the heirachy of custodian of justice and its rgretable that a mare security guard can not trust her without satisfying her ego of touching her down in guise of serch. sorry ms Baraa for this unfortunate thing. wethe majority respect you and your office.Posted January 04, 2012 04:20 PM
- Submitted by JoshLanThe apology is in order but the Deputy CJ should bear in mind that the body searches are for the good of everyone's security including her. If we begin to exempt some people, where will we stop?Posted January 04, 2012 04:04 PM
- Submitted by wawerugithiriI fail to understand why these characters think they are above what ordinary Kenyans go through every day................It's in her personal safety to shop in a secure environment................Village market is a private business not the public offices they domineer and abuse everyday. She ought to have been kicked her out to go shop where she deems "respected"Posted January 04, 2012 04:03 PM
- Submitted by talkingheadThe only country where the so called "high and mighty" ask those they consider "low class" Kenyans whether they know who they are. Deputy CJ, yes we know of you but you must go through the security search, no exceptions madam! Leave your job title at your office.Posted January 04, 2012 04:00 PM
- Submitted by arapmogerI wish i could believe this. What was so hard for you to oblige to the request? I mean this lady was just doing her job and i believe with the security concerns, we should not take anything to chance. I feel for the poor lady, i am sure she will be replaced and the excuse would be, redeployed to other areas. This is the effect of impunity and absolute power.Posted January 04, 2012 03:57 PM
- Submitted by insightHala...Deputy CJ does not want body search done on her like all Kenyans going into a public place. Pole sana.Posted January 04, 2012 03:53 PM
- Submitted by thepunditMs deputy cj, your explanation is laughable at the very least and an insult to the corrective intelligence of kenyan people, it is time you learn to conduct yourself in line with the high office you hold in trust of the kenyan people including Ms Rebbeca whom you lokked down upon.Posted January 04, 2012 03:52 PM
- Submitted by tukomachoGive us more.Posted January 04, 2012 03:47 PM
- Submitted by NDEBELEOnce Ms Nancy Baraza identified herself as the Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya, common sense, security concerns, and protocol require that the security guard salute, usher her in, and give her escort to her destination in the village market. You do not body search state officers, unless kama umetumwa. Shame on the security company guarding village market.Posted January 04, 2012 03:41 PM
- Submitted by otuoma31Madam, you should step aside to allow for impartial investigations. As long as you are still holding your office, the police will not be impartial. That is the standard we set and must be adhered to.Posted January 04, 2012 03:34 PM
- Submitted by TOAVOJATOIVOThe Deputy CJ should be the first to respect rules and lead by example. She should apologise to the security guard and commend her for carrying out her job.Posted January 04, 2012 03:20 PM
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