LSK moves to replace Ahmednasir at JSC

STANDARD DIGITAL REPORTER

Nairobi, Kenya: The tenure of one representative of the Law Society of Kenya in the Judicial Service Commission expires on December 31 after serving for three years.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Secretary and CEO Mr. Apollo Mboya said that the Council of the Society met and resolved that the member whose term has expired is Mr Ahmednasir Abdullahi.

The other representative who continues to serve for 5 years is Ms. Florence Mwagangi. Mr Abdullahi and Ms Mwangangi were both elected through secret ballot in 2010.

During the 2010 elections Mr. Ahmednassir garnered 896 votes while Mr. Chacha Odera followed with 482 votes. Mr. Richard Onsongo came in third with 116 votes. Ms. Mwangangi took the female seat with 465 votes followed by Ms. Mercy Ondeche with 410. Ms. Lucy Kambuni came in third with 254 votes.

“A full Council meeting held on Monday 14th October 2013 resolved to advertise for the position currently occupied by Mr. Abdullahi,” Mr. Mboya said.

“The Council LSK is empowered to replace its representative in the JSC in accordance with Section 20(3) of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution,” Mr. Mboya said.

According to the Schedule, when the JSC is first constituted, one of the Advocates appointed to the Commission in 2010 identified by LSK is to serve for three years only.

Article 171 of the Constitution establishes the JSC that among other members consists of two Advocates of the High Court– a man and woman.

The Advocates must have at least 15 years’ experience and elected by members of the statutory body responsible for professional regulation of Advocates - LSK.

Mr. Mboya said that the Council of LSK has advertised via email and in the press for Advocates of at least 15 years standing to apply for the position.

“Applicants must be Advocates of high moral character, integrity and impartiality with no record of criminal conviction by a court of law,” Mboya said.

The CEO said that the applicants should not have been declared bankrupt by a court of law and convicted by the Advocates Disciplinary Committee.

“Shortlisted candidates will be made public for purposes of vetting before an election process in case there is more than one candidate,” Mr. Mboya said.

Mr. Mboya said that the applications which include a letter of expression, detailed Curriculum Vitae with three referees should reach him by November 15th 2013 at 5pm.

“We will also need copies of testimonials (primary, secondary, high school, university, Kenya School of Law, current practicing certificate and two passport size photos,” Mr. Mboya said.

The CEO said that applicants must also submit a Statutory Declaration attesting to said requirements and demonstrable track record of active participation in activities of LSK.