Nairobi, Kenya — Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on Chief Justices and senior judges from across East Africa to lead a bold and transformative regional conversation on national identity—one grounded in shared interests rather than ethnicity, geography, language, or other historical fault lines.
Speaking during the launch of the 22nd East Africa Judges Conference at the Safari Park Hotel on Tuesday, the Deputy President—who is also a professor of law—said the judiciary is uniquely positioned to shape the values that modern nation-states require, particularly at a time when political tensions, propaganda, historical grievances, and new integration demands continue to test regional cohesion.
Kindiki urged judicial leaders to guide East Africans toward more inclusive identities that reflect common aspirations, economic priorities, and regional cooperation.
“For East Africa to fully realise its potential, we must build nations anchored not on tribes or colours, but on shared interests, shared goals and shared prosperity. The judiciary must take the lead in shaping this narrative,” he said.
The Deputy President noted that the East African Community (EAC) is on an increasingly critical path toward deeper integration—including discussions on political federation—which requires a fresh mindset on nationhood and regional belonging. He emphasized that judges and chief justices, as custodians of constitutionalism and the rule of law, are central to guiding this evolution.
The conference brought together senior judicial officers and mediators from Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) across all EAC partner states. Delegates discussed improving cross-border judicial collaboration, accelerating reforms, and harmonising legal principles in line with regional integration goals.
Chief Justices and representatives from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia praised Kindiki’s remarks as timely. They noted that regional courts have continued playing a vital role in conflict resolution, safeguarding democratic spaces, and protecting citizens’ rights.
Kenya’s Chief Justice Martha Koome lauded the Deputy President’s call and highlighted the impact of Alternative Justice Systems in fostering peace and strengthening democratic resilience in Kenya. She encouraged EAC member states to embrace similar community-based approaches.
“Let’s make justice a reality in East Africa by using dialogue and consensus as modes of resolving our political differences. Kenya is an example—where we had the ‘nusu mkate,’ the handshake, and now the broad-based government,” she stated.
The week-long meeting is expected to produce a joint communiqué outlining commitments on judicial cooperation, strengthening regional justice mechanisms, and advancing unity and shared identity across the East African region.
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