One of these 10 shortlisted candidates will be Kenya’s next CJ

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has now shortlisted 10 candidates with one of them expected to replace retired Chief Justice David Maraga.

Their interviews will be conducted in April, with nine other candidates set to be interviewed for the vacant post of Supreme Court judge.

JSC last week received 13 applications of persons intending to replace Maraga but shortlisted 10.

This comes at the end of 21 given for applications and JSC says it will commence the verification process to ensure all qualifications are met before candidates are shortlisted for interviews.

“The commission will proceed to shortlist and publicise the list within 14 days as provided in the Judicial Service Act,” said JSC Secretary Ann Amadi.

She added, “The commission is committed to upholding professionalism and integrity throughout the recruitment process.”

Fred Ngatia, Philip Murgor, Justice Martha Koome, Prof Patricia Mbote, Justice Marete Njagi, Justice Nduma Nderi, Justice Said Chitembwe, Justice William Ouko, Alice Yano and Dr Wekesa Moni have been shortlisted for CJ.

Similarly, Justice Said Chitembwe, Justice M’inoti Kathurima, Justice Martha Koome, Lumumba Nyaberi, Justice Nduma Nderi, Justice William Ouko, Justice Joseph Sergon and Alice Yano were shortlisted for Supreme Court judge.

The general public has until March 3 to submit their views on the shortlisted candidates.

The CJ post fell vacant following Maraga’s retirement in January and that of the Supreme Court of Kenya was left vacant following the retirement of Justice Jackton Ojwang.

To become CJ or Supreme Court Judge, according to Article 166 of the Constitution, one must have at least a 15-year experience as a superior court judge or 15-year experience as a distinguished academic, judicial officer, legal practitioner or in any other relevant legal field.