“Four commissioners from Mt Kenya reduced my scores yesterday afternoon after they were called by powerful people. Without that intervention I was far ahead of all the other candidates,” Ngatia reportedly complained on Wednesday.
JSC has already forwarded the name of Justice Koome to President Uhuru Kenyatta. She will be vetted by parliament before being sworn in as a substantial Chief Justice. If approved, Martha Koome will become Kenya’s first female Chief Justice.
Justice Koome will head the judiciary for almost 10 years. Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu is currently holding the position on an acting capacity.
Koome is famously known for her passion for women and children rights. Before her appointment to the judiciary in 2003, she was a human rights activist. She joined the High Court in 2003 before she was promoted to the Court of Appeal in 2011.
JSC insisted that it will not reveal the scores of each candidate. Ms Koome beat other candidates to clinch the prestigious position at the apex court. Other candidates for the CJ position were SC Fred Ngatia, Justice Nduma Nderi, Justice Said Chitembwe, Justice William Ouko, Justice Marete Njagi, SC Philip Murgor, Prof Moni Wekesa and Alice Yano.
Ngatia was believed to be the frontline candidate, owing to his 41 years legal experience. He was among the battery of lawyers who represented President Uhuru Kenyatta during the 2017 elections petition at the Supreme Court.
Martha Koome’s Pledge as a Chief Justice
Justice Martha Koome has stated that she will bank on her experience at the judiciary in transforming the courts.
The Court of Appeal Judge has promised to reduce the backlog of court cases by expediting the recruitment of extra magistrates and judges. She has also promised to promote the independence of judiciary, building extra courts and promoting the use of technology.
Koome’s appointment was announced by JSC a day after the Court of appeal lifted the prohibition in the search of a new chief justice.
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