President Uhuru rejects six judges, appoints 34 nominees
President Uhuru Kenyatta has rejected the appointment of six judges who were recommended by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) more than two years ago.
Kenyatta declined to appoint Justices Weldon Korir, Aggrey Muchelule, George Odunga and Prof. Joel Ngugi, saying they did not meet the threshold.
The nomination of two other candidates; Makori Evans Kiago and Judith Omange Cheruiyot, was also declined.
In a Gazette Notice issued yesterday evening, the Head of State also appointed 34 judges from the 41 who had been nominated by the JSC.
“In exercise of the power conferred by Article 166 (1) (b) of the Constitution of Kenya, I, Uhuru Kenyatta, President and Commander-in-chief of the Kenya Defence Forces appoint…,” reads part of the notice.
This comes after Kenyatta’s remarks during the Madaraka Day celebrations sparked an uproar by senior lawyers and some politicians.
They condemned his remarks calling them an attempt to intimidate judges ahead of the appeal against the ruling on Building Bridges Initiative(BBI).
Seven judges have been appointed to the Court of appeal, nine to the Employment and Labour Relations Court, and 18 to the Land and Environment Court.
Those who will serve in the court of appeal are Justices; Msagha Mbogholi, Omondi Hellen Amollo, Mumbi Ngugi, Francis Tuiyott, Nyamweya Pauline Nyaboke, Lesiit Jessie and Kibaya Imaana Laibuta.
Judges of the Employment and Labour Relations Court are Justices; Baari Christine Noontatua, Gakeri Jacob Kariuki, Keli Jemima Wanza, Mwaure Ann Ngibuini, Matanga Bernard Odongo Manani, Rutto Stella Chemtai, Kebira Ocharo, Kitiku Agnes Mueni-Nzei and Nderitu David Njagi.
Those approved to serve in Labour and Environments Court are Mboya Oguttu Joseph, Naikuni Lucas Leperes, Mwanyale Michael Ngolo, Addraya Edda Dena, Kimani Lilian Gathoni, Kamau Joseph Mugo, Wabwoto Karoph Edward, Koross Anne Yatich Kipingor, Gicheru Maxwell Nduiga, Mogeni Ann Jacqueline Akhalemesi, Ongarora Fred Nyagaka, Christopher Kyania Nzili, Mugo David Mwangi, Omollo Lynette Achieng’, Washe Emmanuel Mutwana, Nyukuri Annet, Murigi Theresa Wairimu and Asati Esther.
The names of the rejected candidates have been referred back to the commission.
Justices Odunga and Ngugi were among the five judges that nullified the BBI bill.
