Chief Justice position Kenya: Ten shortlisted

Ten candidates have been shortlisted for the position of Kenya’s next Chief Justice ahead of their interviews in April.

Nine others will also be interviewed for the position of Supreme Court judge.

The Judicial Service Commission said in an advert it received 13 applicants for the position of CJ and shortlisted ten.

They include Justice Said Chitembwe, Prof Patricia Mbote, Justice Martha Koome, Justice Marete Njagi, Philip Murgor, Justice Nduma Nderi, Fred Ngatia, Justice William Ouko, Dr Wekesa Moni and Alice Yano.

All the current Supreme Court judges including acting Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu kept off the race to replace former Chief Justice David Maraga.

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Those shortlisted for the Supreme Court judge position include Justice Said Chitembwe, Justice Martha Koome, Justice M’inoti Kathurima, Justice Nduma Nderi, Lumumba Nyaberi, Justice William Ouko, Justice Joseph Sergon and Alice Yano.

Former Chief Justice David Maraga.

The public has been asked to give their views on the candidates by March 3 for consideration.

The commission is seeking to fill the position of CJ left vacant by the former holder Justice David Maraga and that of the Supreme Court of Kenya (SCOK) left by Justice Jackton Ojwang.

SCOK is key in determining presidential petitions.

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In the 2017 elections, the court nullified the election of President Uhuru Kenyatta prompting another election.

The main functions of the JSC include recommending individuals to the President for appointment as judges and review and recommend the conditions of service of judges and judicial officers.

JSC also appoints, receive complaints against, investigate and remove from office or otherwise discipline registrars, magistrates, other judicial officers and other staff of the Judiciary, in the manner prescribed by an Act of Parliament.

It further prepares and implement programs for the continuing education and training of judges and judicial officers and advise the national government on improving the efficiency of the administration of justice.