CJ Koome Gives Her Stance On Uhuru's Decision to Not Appoint 6 Judges

Chief Justice Martha Koome stated that all 6 judges that were left out by President Uhuru Kenyatta must be appointed.

Speaking on Friday the Chief Justice also cautioned the Executive of Interfering with Independence of the Judiciary.

"As we welcome our 7 new justices at the court of appeal, this is a bittersweet moment for the 4 colleagues not with us. I reiterate my position as CJ & Chair of JSC to state that all persons recommended by JSC must be appointed as judges," the CJ said.

"The attacks on the court and the judicial independence are not new but they require our renewed resolve at an individual and institutional level. Every judicial officer and the judge has a duty to safeguard their independence," she added.

She also announced plans to establish an additional Small Claims Court at the Milimani Commercial Courts to specifically deal with personal injury claims separate from those of commercial nature.

"The judiciary needs funding. we are dilapidated operating from a museum which I wonder why the ministry of health hasn't condemned it as unfit for human habitation," said CJ Koome.

Her statement comes barely a week after Former CJs David Maraga and Dr Willy Mutunga hit out at President Kenyatta over his refusal to appoint the 6 judges.

Mutunga noted that the Constitution does not give the Head of State powers to choose who to cherry-pick, adding that he has no option but to appoint all those nominated by JSC.

According to Mutunga, the President’s decision to reject the six nominees is not out of principle but due to personal resentment.

On his part, Maraga said the move will jeopardize the careers of the six judges and puts their integrity and future judgements in danger.

He further blasted President Kenyatta for condemning the judges in the public eye without following the proper channels.