Lady Justice Jessie Lessit, (centre) is among the judges that President Uhuru appointed to the Court of Appeal. On her right is Deputy Director, Public Prosecutions Dorcas Oduor. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]
President Uhuru Kenyatta has gazetted the appointment of 34 judges, and left out six nominees.
Seven judges have been appointed to the Court of Appeal and others will serve in the Employment and Labour Relations Court, and the Environment and Land Court.
Msagha Amraphael Mbogholi, Omondi Hellen Amollo, Ngugi Grace Mumbi, Francis Tuiyott, Nyamweya Pauline Nyaboke, Lesiit Jessie and Dr Kibaya Imaana Laibuta will serve in the Court of Appeal, effective Thursday, June 3.
Baari Christine Noontatua, Gakeri Jacob Kariuki, Keli Jemima Wanza, Mwaure Ann Ngibuini, Matanga Bernard Odongo Manani, Rutto Stella Chemtai, Kebira Ocharo, Kitiku Agnes Mueni-Nzei and Nderitu David Njagi will serve as judges of the Employment and Labour Relations Court.
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While the following will serve in the Environment and Land Court: Mboya Oguttu Joseph, Naikuni Lucas Leperes, Mwanyale Michael Ngolo, Addraya Edda Dena, Kimani Lilian Gathoni, Kamau Joseph Mugo, Wabwoto Karoph Edward, Koross Anne Yatich Kipingor, Gicheru Maxwell Nduiga, Mogeni Ann Jacqueline Akhalemesi, Ongarora Fred Nyagaka, Christopher Kyania Nzili, Mugo David Mwangi, Omollo Lynette Achieng’, Washe Emmanuel Mutwana, Nyukuri Annet, Murigi Theresa Wairimu and Asati Esther.
The June 3 gazettement follows what has been a long-standing impasse in the appointment of the 41 judges, since former Chief Justice David Maraga’s tenure.
The judges were nominated by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to the Court of Appeal, Environment and Lands Court, and the Employment and Labour Relations Court.
Last year, President Kenyatta declined to appoint and swear the judges in on grounds that some had questionable integrity. He questioned the suitability of 18 nominees whom he said were tainted according to intelligence in his possession.
The stalemate left both the Judiciary and Executive trading blame for months.
In July last year, the Law Society of Kenya, Lawyer Adrian Kamotho and other organisations, challenged the president’s refusal to make the appointments.
