JSC names Supreme Court nominees

By Roseleen Nzioka

The Judicial Service Commission has disclosed the names of five nominees for Kenya’s Supreme Court.

Lawyer Ms Njoki Ndung’u, Appeal Court judge Philip Tunoi, High Court judges Jackton Ojwang, Mohammed Ibrahim and former Kenya Anti- Corruption Commission assistant director Dr Smokin Wanjala are the five candidates picked by JSC to serve in the country’s highest court.

While making the announcement Judicial Service Commission acting Chairperson Christine Mango said they had picked five candidates with the necessary diversity, deep intellect, profound standing, impeccable integrity and appropriate experience.

The five were among 26 candidates interviewed for the positions.

The Supreme Court nominees will not require approval by MPs, but will be forwarded to the President for appointment.

The Supreme Court shall comprise the Chief Justice who shall be the President of the Court and the Deputy CJ who shall be the Vice President plus the five judges.

According to the Constitution, the Supreme Court will be charged with the interpretation of the Constitution and will have exclusive original jurisdiction to hear and determine disputes relating to the elections to the office of President.

The Judicial Service Commission has already nominated Dr Willy Mutunga, Ms Nancy Baraza and Keriako Tobiko as CJ, deputy CJ and DPP respectively.

The Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee (CIOC) vetted the nominees and recommended their approval.

They now await debate and approval by Parliament.

Parliament has already passed the Supreme Court Bill 2011 without amendments. It now awaits President Kibaki's assent.