Chunga's past records return to haunt him as lawyers seek to block his return to public service

Justice Bernard Chunga when he was still the Chief Justice. [File, Standard]

Lawyers have cited former Chief Justice Bernard Chunga’s tainted past record in their bid to block his comeback into public service.

A group of lawyers have filed a petition to stop Chunga from chairing the task force on establishment of the Office of Director of Public Prosecution’s Inspectorate, claiming his past record as a deputy public prosecutor and Chief Justice is tainted with human rights abuses.

Chama Cha Mawakili, through lawyer Cleophas Letting, argued the former CJ is “a personification of extreme inhumane treatment who abused his powers to punish innocent people” and cannot be trusted to head an important public body.

“His appointment has rekindled bad memories of his victims who suffered under his watch while serving as deputy public prosecutor and CJ. It is like an insult to Kenyans to have a person who has been mentioned as a key player in human rights abuses to be in public service,” Mr Letting said yesterday.

Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Noordin Haji appointed Chunga on June 28 but the lawyer’s lobby claimed the appointment was illegal and unconstitutional as it was not done on merit.

They accused the DPP of breaching his oath of office by handpicking members of the task force without fair competition.

They also want the DPP to investigate and prosecute Chunga if found to have committed any crimes.