This archive report was first published on 17 July 2020.
Published on July 17, 2020, three Western diplomats have urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to appoint 41 judges proposed by the Judicial Service Commission, who have been unable to assume office since July 2019.
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, US Ambassador Kyle McCarter, and EU Ambassador Simon Mordue called on the President to resolve the delay in appointing judges to vacant positions, citing the need to address corruption allegations while not delaying the appointment of other judges.
President Kenyatta has refused to appoint the judges, citing integrity issues. However, Chief Justice David Maraga has appealed to the President to comply with two court orders directing him to appoint the judges, saying this would alleviate suffering for Kenyans seeking justice in the courts.
Attorney-General Kihara Kariuki, who sits on the JSC, responded that the President would not abdicate his role as Head of State to appoint judges with a questionable record.
The diplomats praised Kenya's strides in the judicial sector, including the expansion of infrastructure and the introduction of mobile courts, which have increased access to justice. They also called for the enactment of the Judiciary Fund Act, which would give a percentage of national revenue to the Judiciary, and for full funding of the National Legal Aid Service.
