President Uhuru Kenyatta has gazetted the appointment of 34 judges, and left out six nominees.
Katiba Institute has since contested ‘cherry-picking’ of 34 judges, omission of six by President Kenyatta
In July 2019, the JSC interviewed and selected the 41 judges and recommended them for appointment by the President.
Some 11 names were forwarded for appointment as Court of Appeal judges and 30 for the High Court. One person has since died.
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.
Uhuru has rejected six names.
They include Aggrey Muchelule, George Odunga, Weldon Korir and Prof Joel Ngugi who were recommended for the Court of Appeal.
Judges approved for the Court of Appeal are Msagha Mbogholi, Hellen Omondi, Mumbi Ngugi, Francis Tuiyott, Pauline Nyamweya, Jessie Lesiit, and Imaana Laibuta.
The nine judges appointed by the president to be Judges of the Employment and Labour Relations Court are 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.
e president has also appointed 18 judges to serve as Judges of the Environment and Land Court.
They are Mboya Oguttu Joseph, Naikuni Lucas Leperes, Mwanyale Michael Ngolo, Addraya Edda Dena, Kimani Lilian Gathoni, Kamau Joseph Mugo, Wabwoto Karoph Edward, and Koross Anne Yatich Kipingor.
Others are 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.
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.
