This archive report was first published on 4 May 2021.
On May 4, 2021, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) continued its search for a Supreme Court judge, interviewing Employment and Labour Relations Court Judge Nduma Nderi and Lawyer Patrick Lumumba.
Judge Nderi, who had previously been considered for the position of Chief Justice, was the first to face the nine-member panel. The panel questioned his knowledge and comprehension of constitutional matters, citing his extensive Labour court background as a potential disadvantage.
However, Judge Nderi was quick to dispel this notion, asserting that his experience in the Labour court had also prepared him to handle constitutional matters. He emphasized that his candidature should be assessed on the basis of his ability, integrity, hard work, and competence.
Lawyer Lumumba, on the other hand, promised 'prescriptions' for the challenges facing the Judiciary, including corruption and case backlog. He emphasized his managerial skills and leadership style, stating that he would use these skills to deal with the challenges facing the Judiciary.
Both Judge Nderi and Lawyer Lumumba expressed their confidence in their ability to serve as Supreme Court judges, with Judge Nderi noting that he had successfully defended the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya before the East African Court.