Justice system is too crucial to leave it to judges, lawyers

The recent nomination of eleven judicial officers to the Court of Appeal by the Judicial Service Commission raised questions about the independence and integrity of the Kenyan justice sector again. It is all too easy for most Kenyans to see this as a matter for lawyers and judges. Think again. Our courts, directly and indirectly, impact our lives daily and we must pay more than casual attention.

Among the eleven are some of Kenya’s finest legal minds. Dr Kibaya Laibuta stands out for another reason, he could just be our very first blind judge ever. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) have nevertheless objected in writing citing the lack of diversity and exclusion of private lawyers from the list.