By PAUL OGEMBA pogemba@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Tuesday, April 12 2011 at 22:00
Posted Tuesday, April 12 2011 at 22:00
In Summary
- Lawyers seek views on suitability of the candidates listed to help judicial service team with its work
The lawyers’ club is inviting wananchi to help select Kenya’s Chief Justice and deputy.
Views are being sought about those short-listed for the post. Law Society of Kenya chairman Kenneth Akide said they will be asking for views about the candidates’ suitability or unsuitability.
“The attributes will include high moral character, integrity, impartiality, high professional competence, good communication skills, fairness and good judgment,” Mr Akide said.
He, however, said the attributes are not limited to those listed. The initiative is a response to the Judicial Service Commission’s request to the law society to provide information from its members and the public concerning those short-listed for vetting, he added.
He said that any information received will be treated as confidential, and will only be used to assist the Judicial Service Commission in its work.
Mr Akide added that the law society was committed to helping the government and the courts on legislation, administration and practice of law in the country.
Mr Akide said they want to assist the public get involved in law issues, and that the vetting should be done in a competitive and transparent manner.
He appealed to those who have information to be candid, honest, straightforward and give clear views that help identify the best candidate for the posts.
The report is expected to be compiled in seven days and presented to the registrar of the High Court, who will forward it to the commission for the vetting.
On the number of nominees to be forwarded to the President and Prime Minister for approval, Mr Akide said the Constitution does not limit it to any number and it will be up to them to decide how many names they forward to the two principals.
The commission has short-listed 10 candidates for the post of Chief Justice. Among them are Court of Appeal judges Riaga Omollo, Samuel Bosire, Alnashir Visram and Joseph Nyamu.
From High Court, judges short-listed are justices Kihara Kariuki, Mbogholi Msagha, Mary Ang’awa and Kalpana Rawal. Others are Dr Willy Mutunga and Lee Muthoga, a judge of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.
Eight candidates are listed for deputy CJ. They are Mary Ang’awa, Roselyne Nambuye, Mary Kasango, Hannah Okwengu, Martha Koome and Joseph Nyamu as well as lawyers Nancy Baraza and Gladys Shollei.
The interviews will be held from May 3 to 12. The commission will make recommendations to the Head of State and the Prime Minister, who will appoint the Chief Justice after approval by Parliament.
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