The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has nominated Lady Justice Martha Koome for the position of Chief Justice to replace David Maraga who retired in January. 

JSC Chairperson Prof Olive Mugenda announced the unanimous decision on Tuesday evening and said Koome's name has been forwarded to President Uhuru Kenyatta for appointment, setting her on the cusp of becoming Kenya's first woman Chief Justice.

"The JSC has unanimously recommended the appointment of Hon Lady Justice Koome Martha Karabu, judge of the Court of Appeal as the Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya," said the JSC head Prof. Mugenda.

“The Commission wishes to thank Hon Martha Koome for becoming the first lady Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya,” added Prof. Mugenda

This decision has been reached after two weeks of intense interviews of prospective candidates for that same position, and barely hours after the order, stopping the JSC from deliberating and announcing the CJ nominee was lifted by the Court of Appeal. 

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Prof. Makau Mutua and Katiba Institute had rushed the High Court seeking orders to compel JSC to make public scores by individual candidates who had gone through the vetting process. 

Prof. Mugenda told journalists that the commission's duty was to select the best candidate, and that's what they had done.