Mutunga speaks of the biggest challenge in job

By Steve Mkawale
Chief Justice Willy Mutunga has admitted that his main challenge in the new job would be to restore public confidence in the Judiciary.
Last Friday, he said his vision was to lay a firm foundation for a reformed Judiciary that would serve all Kenyans and not a few wealthy individuals.
"I would like to see a Judiciary for all Kenyans that is accessible to all and must be fully staffed. It should have an efficient and effective judicial, financial and management structure," said the CJ.
Mutunga was addressing judges, magistrates and lawyers at a Nairobi hotel during a cocktail party to welcome him, his deputy Nancy Baraza and Director of Public Prosecution Keriako Tobiko to their appointments.
He appealed for help from law practitioners to restore confidence in the Judiciary, saying he would not succeed without their help.
Ms Baraza pledged that the new Judiciary would operate under an ‘open door’ policy.
"We will welcome suggestions and proposals to reform the Judiciary. Ours will be an open door policy," she said. The Law Society of Kenya hosted the party for the three-judicial appointees.
LSK chairman Kenneth Akide challenged the appointees not to seek popularity but administer justice in accordance with the law.
"We know you subscribe to certain groups and organisations but you have a duty to uphold the Constitution and restore public confidence in the Judiciary," said Akide.
United Nations racism expert and senior counsel Githu Muigai urged the CJ to ensure the vetting of judges is done fairly and in a transparent manner.
"We expect an emotional process where careers will be put on trial but we must be fair, transparent because this will determine the future of the Judiciary," said Prof Muigai.
He challenged the legal fraternity to embrace reforms. The CJ said the Rapid Response Committee at the Judiciary would be made permanent to smoothen relationship between the bar and the bench.
"We need to make the committee permanent so that it can be effective," he said.
Mutunga challenged LSK to set up units countrywide to enable mwananchi access justice.