The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has postponed the interviews for the position of Judges of the Court of Appeal, originally scheduled from Tuesday, June 18, to Friday, June 21, 2024.
JSC Secretary Winfridah Mokaya announced that the postponement is to allow the Judiciary time to honor the life and service of Magistrate Monica Kivuti, who was fatally shot inside the Makadara Law Courts last Thursday.
The JSC praised Kivuti as a dedicated magistrate who consistently upheld the rule of law and demonstrated professionalism in her duties.
“Hon. Kivuti was a valued member of the Judiciary team, known for her unwavering commitment in upholding the rule of law and profound professionalism and dedication in ensuring justice for all,” the statement read in part.
“The JSC extends the deepest condolences to Hon Kivuti’s family, friends and all those who had the privilege of working with her.”
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) had shortlisted 41 candidates from a pool of 82 applicants for the position of Judges of the Court of Appeal.
The commission plans to narrow this down to 11 judges to fill the current vacancies. Among the shortlisted candidates are notable figures such as former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chair Ahmed Issack Hassan, and Justices Nduma Nderi, Antony Mrima, Grace Nzioka, Elijah Ogoti, Alfred Mabeya, and Katwa Kigen, who served as President William Ruto’s lawyer at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
However, some prominent individuals did not make the shortlist, including former IEBC chair Wafula Chebukati and former Nyeri County Woman Representative Priscilla Nyokabi.
The JSC will announce new dates for the interviews, which will take place at the CBK Pension Towers in Nairobi. Once the interviews are completed, the JSC will forward the names of the selected candidates to President Ruto for appointment.
This move is expected to help reduce the backlog of cases in the Court of Appeal.
