Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga. Six candidates have been shortlisted to replace him
By ABDULHAKIM SHERMAN
newsdesk@dailyreporter.co.ke
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has shortlisted six applicants out of 14 for the position of Chief Justice.
The six candidates are Justices Alnashir Visram, Smokin Wanjala, Roselyne N. Nambuye, David Maraga, Mbogholi Msagha, and lawyer Nzamba Kitonga.
On Wednesday, the JSC will shortlist applicants for Deputy Chief Justice (DCJ) and on the following day for the position of Supreme Court judge.
The JSC has received 15 applications for the DCJ position and 21 for Supreme Court judge. Among the notable names missing from those shortlisted for the CJ’s position is Prof Makau Mutua.
Fourteen Kenyans have expressed interest to succeed Dr Willy Mutunga, who retired last month, 15 for the position of Deputy Chief Justice and 21 for the post of Supreme Court judge.
Judges who had applied for the top post include Smokin Wanjala, Prof Jackton Ojwang, Alnashir Visram, David Maraga, Mbogholi Msagha, Roselyne Nambuye and Justice (rtd) Aaron Ringera.
Those who were not judges and wanted the position include Prof Mutua, David Mwaure Waihiga, Dr Isaac Rutenberg, Mr Kitonga, Kongani Udoto Kongani Paul Andrew, Mr Daniel Wambura and Ms Lucy Wanja Julius.
The Judicial Service Commission convened on Monday to open applications for Kenya’s top Judiciary jobs, with lawyers saying they will compile a list of qualities of the candidates.
Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Isaac Okero said the council would meet this week to develop a strategy for its members to be fully involved in the selection of the new Chief Justice, the deputy and a Supreme Court judge.
“The meeting will be to ensure that the views of our members on the candidates for the various positions are incorporated,” Mr Okero had said.
JSC vice-chair Margaret Kobia said in a statement that the commission would meet to review the applications for completeness and conformity with the necessary requirements within 14 days.
Thereafter, she said, the commission would, within the first 21 days cross check information provided by the applicants and also interview the referees.
Those on the Bench who want to be deputy Chief Justice include Court of Appeal judges Hannah Okwengu, Abida Ali Aroni, Agnes Murgor, Roselyne Nambuye, Philomena Mwilu, Fatuma Sichale, Wanjiru Karanja, and Martha Koome.
Others are High Court judges Lydia Achode and Pauline Nyamweya.
The non-judges for the position of DCJ are Joyce Miguda Majiwa, Pamela Mwikali Tutui, Surinder Kapila, Judith Wanjala and the male candidate being David Mwaure Waihiga.
The position of Supreme Court judge, which fell vacant after Justice Philip Tunoi retired, has attracted 21 candidates.
They include Justices Roselyne Nambuye, Agnes Murgor, Martha Koome among others.
The male candidates, who are judges, are Isaac Lenaola, Mbogholi Msagha, Erastus Githinji, Alnashir Visram, Joseph Kiplangat Sergon, and Luka Kimaru.
The non-judges seeking the post are Judith Wanjala, Mr John Chebii Kipkoech, Ms Pamela Mwikali Tutui, David Mwaure Waihiga, Prof Kevin Faustine O. Mare, Dr Kibaya Laibuta, Ms Joyce Miguda Majiwa and Dr Isaac Rutenberg.