Kibaki nominates new Chief Justice in fresh judicial reforms

 

Posted Friday, January 28 2011 at 21:08

President Kibaki has nominated Justice Alnassir Visram as the next Chief Justice in fresh reforms within Kenya's judiciary.

The President also nominated lawyers Githu Muigai for the post of Attorney General and Kioko KiluKumi for the role of Director of Public Prosecutions. The President announced the nominations in a statement released Friday's evening.

The list of nominees immediately sparked protests from the President's coalition partner ODM, who raised concern at the unilateral manner that the nominations were made.

"This afternoon Ambassador Francis Muthaura called Isakhakia, who is the chief of staff of the Prime Minister, informing him that the President was going to announce the nominees to the posts of Chef Justice, Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecution," said Lands Minister James Orengo.

" I am not against the individuals named, they are all lawyers of repute. What is of concern is the process, and this is clearly elaborated in the constitution which states that before making such appointments the President the must engage in full and thorough consultation with the Prime Minister," said Orengo.

Here is the full text of the President's statement:

His Excellency Mwai Kibaki, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya defence forces after consultation with the RT Hon Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya Raila Odinga and in accordance with the Constitution, has made the following nominations of persons for respective state offices for approval by the National Assembly.

1.Chief Justice: The Hon Justice AlnashirRamazanadi Magan Visram

Justice Visram graduated with a degree in law from the University of British Columbia in 1972. In 1978, he graduated with a second degree in Law from University of British Columbia, Canada. In 2006 he graduated with a Master of Laws degree in International Law from the University of Nairobi.

While in practice he specialised in commercial, corporate and civil law. In June 1999, he was appointed Commissioner of Assize, and in March 2001, he was sworn in as a Judge of the High Court of Kenya; and in April 2009 as Judge of Appeal.

2. Attorney General - Prof. Githu Muigai

He holds LLB and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Nairobi and an LLM Degree from Columbia University School of Law, New York. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) and a member of the American Association of Trial Lawyers.

In addition to the practice of law he is an Associate Professor of Public law in the School of law of the University of Nairobi. He specialises in Public law and trans-national legal practice. He is a recognized authority on business regulatory matters and in international commercial arbitration. He is an Associate professor at the University of Nairobi and an International Human Rights Lawyer and a Constitutional lawyer.

3. Director of Public Prosecutions - Kioko Kilukumi

Graduated with an LLB from the University of Nairobi in 1990

1990-1993 – worked with Kaplan and Straton Advocates

1993-1996-appointed Public Prosecutor in the Kingdom of Swaziland

1996-Present – Private legal practice and part time lecturer in criminal litigation

4. Controller of Budget - William Kirwa

He is currently the Managing Director of the Agricultural Development Corporation.

Holds an MBA in Banking and Finance.

Also holder of an MA in Agricultural Economics.

Previously worked with Barclays bank as a senior Manager.