This archive report was first published on 22 July 2019.
On July 22, 2019, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) announced the recommendation of 11 new judges to the Court of Appeal, following a rigorous selection process.
Chief Justice David Maraga, speaking at a press briefing, revealed that the commission had shortlisted 35 applicants from an initial 113 applications received in response to advertisements placed in local dailies on February 22, 2019.
“Having deliberated and considered all the necessary parameters, the commission has concluded that the following are the most suitable candidates to be recommended for appointment,” said Maraga.
The recommended judges include Justice Odunga George Vincent, Lady Justice Ngugi Grace Mumbi, Justice Korir Weldon, and six others, as well as Justice Tuiyott Francis, Lady Justice Omondi Hellen Amolo, Lady Justice Nyamweya Pauline, Justice Muchelule Aggrey Otsyula, Justice Kibaya Imaana Laibuta, and Justice Joel Mwaura Ngugi.
However, the Law Society of Kenya Representative to the commission, Macharia Njeru, has expressed opposition to the list, alleging that the commission disregarded his proposal to include at least two lawyers from private practice.
“I made a strong case for the appointment of at least two lawyers being members of the LSK from private practice who had passed the agreed passmark as opposed to appointing all from the Judiciary … My case was dismissed by the rest of the commission,” said Njeru.
