Applicants for CJ position must be honest, professional

Distinguished legal scholar Prof Makau Mutua displayed rare intellectual wit, courage and honesty during the interviews for the Chief Justice. The US-based professor handled all questions including the controversial ones meticulously and with utmost intellectual finesse. His outstanding presentation set him apart from the Kenyan dons who prefer to act as per the prevailing circumstances. Many have stooped so low and act like politicians choosing to pursue political correctness.

Intellectuals are supposed to be guided by the truth and facts at all time. Kenyan scholars have instead chosen the easier path of acting conveniently. To the men and women of letters, pursuing narrow personal interests is more important than a national cause. The professor stands for greater ideals not personal aggrandizement as is typical of his peers. What happened to intellectual courage and honesty among Kenyan scholars?

The law expert addressed all the issues at the heart of the interviews ranging from controversial 2013 polls, the International Criminal Cases facing the executive, morality as well as general issues with highest degree of clarity and honesty. He denied the notion that he had a grudge against President Uhuru Kenyatta. As for the Prof, he does recognize Kenyatta as the president of Kenya because the highest court in the land has said so. For the professor to express willingness to work under President Kenyatta is a mark of a gentleman. Good men differ on principle and this does not imply enmity.

According to Mutua, fidelity to the Constitution was more important than pleasing the powers that be. Hence, he respects the decision by the Supreme Court that declared Kenyatta as president.

Since critical thinking defines who an intellectual is, the man of letters did not disappoint, he does just that. Mutua has indeed, consistently penned his objective criticism on all issues of national and international importance. Very few dons are willing to write about issues which can compromise their comfort and personal good.

At a time of great promise in our country following the passing and promulgation of the new progressive Constitution, it is refreshing to see a distinguished Kenyan intellectual express his honest opinion on critical matters affecting the country. The good professor has even offered himself for the position of Chief Justice and the president of the Supreme Court of Kenya. We need Kenyans in the diaspora to emulate the law don. They should come back home and lend their expertise.

Above all, the state has a duty to consider all Kenyans for plum jobs on the basis of their credentials and not political or ethnic considerations. I hope Prof Ngugi wa Thiong‘o and Micere Mugo will be recalled to serve their motherland. Congrats Mutua for sterling performance, you are the greatest scholar in Kenya after the demise of the late Prof Ali Mazrui and Prof Wangare Maathai. In Mutua, President Kenyatta and Kenyans will find a sincere, true friend and defender of the law.