Makau Mutua Explains Why he Did Not Apply for Chief Justice Job

Renowned Kenyan legal scholar Prof Makau Mutua has lifted the lid on his decision not to apply for the Chief Justice job that was recently advertised by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

Prof Mutua’s name was among several other legal minds being fronted as possible successors of retired Chief Justice David Maraga.

However, according to a list of applicants published by JSC, Prof Mutua did not apply to be the next Chief Justice or a Supreme Court judge.

Explaining his decision, Prof Mutua noted that the experience of the last two CJs discouraged him from applying for the lucrative job.

“I’ve been asked why I didn’t apply for the position of Chief Justice. After much reflection, I concluded that as the experience of the last two recent CJs strongly demonstrates, it’s not possible to be both an independent and effective CJ in Kenya. Godspeed to the applicant,” he tweeted.

Meanwhile, the Judicial Service Commission on Wednesday unveiled applicants of the CJ post as well as Judge of the Supreme Court.

The thirteen applicants for the Chief Justice post include:

1. Prof Otinga Mare
2. Prof. Dr. Moni Wekesa
3. Hon. Mr Justice William Ouko
4. Hon. Mr. Justice D.K. Marete
5. Alice Jepkoech Yano
6.  Hon. Lady Justice Martha Koome
7. Hon. Mr. Justice Mathew N. Nduma
8. Ngatia Fredrick SC
9. Prof Patricia K. Mbote
10. Philip Kipchirchir Murgor
11. Said Juma Chitembwe
12. Otondi Ontweka
13. Ombongi Brian Matagaro

There are nine applicants for the position of Judge of the Supreme Court:

1. Hon. Mr Justice William Ouko
2. Hon. Mr. Justice D.K. Marete
3. Alice Jepkoech Yano
4. Hon. Lady Justice Martha Koome
5. Hon. Mr. Justice Joseph Sergon
6. Hon. Mr. Justice Mathew N. Nduma
7. Hon. Mr. Justice Kathurima M’Inoti
8. Dr. Justry P. Lumumba Nyaberi
9. Hon Said Juma Chitembwe