Editor's Review

  • The commissioners went silent as the judge attempted to put off the phone that kept buzzing. At one point, he seemed agitated and appeared to signal his aide to take care of it.

Interviews for Kenya’s next Chief Justice are currently ongoing with Employment and Labour Relations Court Judge Justice Matthews Nduma Nderi taking the hot seat.

Justice Nduma Nderi started his interview on a high note delivering a great introduction that set pace for a series of questions on his achievements and track record.

While responding to a question from Commissioner Justice Mohammed Warsame, his phone rang forcing the panel to take a pause as he dealt with the issue.


He apologized to the commission while struggling to put the phone off as it kept buzzing. Eventually, a composed Justice Nderi managed to overcome the setback and proceed with his interviews.

During his interview, Justice Nderi portrayed a man who has a clear understanding of the law.

He is banking on his local and international legal experience to give him an edge over the other applicants.

Justice Nderi is the sixth candidate to be interviewed for the position of Chief Justice. So far, the panel has interviewed, Justice Said Juma Chitembwe, Lady Justice Martha Koome, Senior Counsel Paul Murgor, Justice David Njagi Marete, and Prof Patricia Mbote.

Four more candidates are scheduled to be interviewed later this week after which the commission will turn its focus to interviews for the position of Supreme Court judge.