By Roseleen Nzioka
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on Monday begun public vetting of 25 judges to the newly created Supreme Court.
The exercise is proceeding smoothly as scheduled and Justice Phillip Waki was the first to be grilled Monday morning, to defend his suitability to serve as a Supreme Court judge.
Eight judges who failed to earlier secure the position of the Chief Justice and the deputy are also set to go though another round of grilling, for five posts in the Supreme Court.
Court of Appeal judges Riaga Omolo, Alnashir Visram, Joseph Nyamu and High Court counterparts Hanna Okwengu, Mary Ang’awa, Msagha Mbogoli, Kalpana Rawal and Martha Koome will go before the Judicial Service Commission for interviews. The eight judges will only appear before the commission on the last two days, June 13 and 14.
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Waki defended his candidature saying he had 25-years experience as a High Court judge, a position that had given him wide experience in constitutional matters.
Waki became a household name after leading a commission that investigated the 2007/2008 post-election violence, coming up with the popular "Waki list" of suspects. At the interview Waki defended his decision on the handling of the†Waki list that was forwarded to African Emminent Personality Koffi Annan before sharing it with the two Principals.
Other candidates to be vetted Monday include Emmanuel O'Kubasu and Prof James Odek
The Supreme Court should be in place by August 26 according to the new Constitution.
The 25 candidates of 16 men and nine women also include former nominated MP Njoki Ndung'u, Lady Justice (Rtd) Violet Mavisi who headed the Independent Constitutional Resolution Court, Dr Smokin Wanjala, Mr Kathurima M'Inoti, Prof Phoebe Okowa, Anthony Adera and Wilfred Nderitu.
The functions of the Supreme Court will be to among other things have exclusive original jurisdiction to hear and determine disputes relating to presidential elections. The Constitution creates the new Supreme Court with the CJ as President, deputy CJ and five other judges.
