Judicial service Commission declares Justice David Maraga as Chief Justice nominee

Justice David Maraga during vetting for position of Chief Justice on 31/8/2016.

Justice David Maraga has been nominated by the Judicial service Commission (JSC) as the Chief Justice nominee to take over the leadership of the Judiciary.

The JSC has unanimously endorsed Maraga for the job after interviewing all applicants for the position

Maraga’s name has been forwarded to the President for approval and appointment. If approved, Maraga will take over from Justice Willy Mutunga who retired from office a few months ago.

JSC received 14 applications for the vacancy of Chief Justice after advertising the position. The applicants were: Justice Alnashir Visram, Lady Justice Roselyne N. Nambuye, Justice Mbogholi Msagha, Prof. Makau Mutua, Justice Smokin Wanjala, Mr. David Mwaure Waihiga, Justice David Maraga, Dr. Isaac Rutenberg, Rtd Justice Aaron Ringera, Mr. Philip Nzamba Kitonga, Ms. Lucy Wanja Julius, Justice Prof. Jackton Ojwang, Mr. Kongani Udoto Kongani Paul Andrew and Amb. Daniel Wambura.

The following individuals have served as Chief Justice since Kenya got Independence:

Sir John Ainsley                                                  1963- 1968

Arthur Dennis Farrel                                         1968

Kitili Mwendwa                                                   1968 -1971

Sir James Wicks                                                 1971 - 1982

Sir Alfred Henry Simpson                                 1982 - 1985

Chunilal Bhagwandas Madan                           1985 - 1986

Cecil Henry Ethelwood Miller                          1986 - 1989

Robin Allan Winston Hancox                           1989 - 1993

Fred Kwasi Apaloo                                              1993 - 1994

Abdul Majid Cockar                                           1994 - 1997

Zachaeus Richard Chesoni                               1997 - 1999

Bernard Chunga                                                  1999 - 2003

Johnson Evans Gicheru                                     2003 - 2011

Willy Munyoki Mutunga                                     2011 - 2016