This archive report was first published on 5 November 2019.
Published on November 5, 2019, the Judicial Service Commission has faulted President Uhuru Kenyatta for delaying the appointment of 41 judges, citing the move as a threat to the independence of the Judiciary.
Chief Registrar Anne Amadi stated that the delay has subjected the judges to unnecessary speculation on their qualifications and suitability, affecting the timely resolution of disputes and business in the country.
The commission pointed out that the delay has aggravated the perennial problem of case backlog, with the President's inordinate delay to formalize the appointment of the judges undermining the constitutional role of the JSC.
Ms. Amadi emphasized that the President has a duty to ensure the protection of rights and rule of law, and failure to appoint the judges goes against this solemn constitutional duty.
The JSC was responding to a case in which lawyer Adrian Kamotho Njenga protested the delay in the promotion of judges, with the commission admitting that there were adverse reports from the National Intelligence Service concerning some of the judges to be promoted.
