Macharia Njeru in a better place to tackle some legal profession problems

Macharia Njeru who replaced Tom Ojienda as one of the two representatives of the Law Society of Kenya on the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), brings a good record to his new office. As the first chair of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, (Ipoa), Njeru provided sound leadership to the newly-formed organisation, quickly establishing a principled and independent relationship with the government. In order to do so, Njeru remained strong in resisting the temptation to go for the spoils of office that were on offer as a way of compromising the independence of the institution that he was set to head.

Njeru was also strong enough to withstand what usually comes when one refuses co-optation: threats and vilification. In official circles, Ipoacame to be tolerated than liked, viewed in the same light as civil society organisations. In the selection of the members of Ipoa to replace the Njeru cohort, care has now been taken to bring more malleable people into Ipoa, and the difference between the two cohorts is already apparent. At the JSC, Njeru will face much of these same issues and the strength and wisdom that he showed at IPOA will continue to be needed.