Ten shortlisted for Kenya’s Chief Justice post

By Samuel Ouma

Kenya’s Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has invited the public to give their views on ten candidates shortlisted for Chief Justice (CJ).

The commission, which is mandated to recruit a CJ and all judicial officials, said Kenyans have, up to March 3, 2021, to submit their views ahead of the candidates’ interviews in April.

Those shortlisted are Justice Said Chitembwe, Prof Patricia Mbote, Justice Martha Koome, Justice Marete Njagi, Philip Murgor, Justice Nduma Nderi, Fred Ngatia, Justice William Ouko, Dr. Wekesa Moni, and Alice Yano.

According to the JSC, nine others will also be interviewed for the position.

Thirteen applicants had sent their applications, and only ten were shortlisted for the Supreme Court judge’s position.

The post fell vacant following the retirement of the former officeholder Justice David Maraga.

Maraga retired early this year after turning 70 under Article 167(1) and 167(2) of the Constitution of Kenya.

The act states that an individual shall retire from the Office of the Chief Justice after serving for ten years or reaching 70, whichever comes first.

He was appointed Kenya’s 16^th Chief Justice following the voluntary early retirement by his predecessor Dr. Willy Mutunga in 2016.

JSC is also seeking to fill the Supreme Court of Kenya (SCOK) left by Justice Jackton Ojwang.