Is Fredrick Ngatia Kenya’s next Chief Justice?

NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 10- The race to replace former Chief Justice David Maraga on Wednesday took shape, after the Judicial Service Commission shortlisted 13 applicants.

Interestingly, the name of Acting Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu is missing.

Among the notable applicants include Senior Counsel Fredrick Ngatia and lawyer Philip Murgor.

Others are Prof. Otinga Mare, Prof. Dr. Dr. Moni Wekesa, Justice William Ouko, Justice D.K. Marete, Alice Jepkoech Yano, Lady Justice Martha Koome, Justice Mathew N. Nduma and Prof. Patricia K. Mbote.

Also in the list are Said Juma Chitembwe, Otondi Ontweka and Ombongi Brian Matagaro.

“The Commission will proceed to shortlist and publicize the list within 14 days as provided in the First Schedule of the Judicial Service Act,” JsC Secretary Anne Amadi said in a statement.

“The Judicial Service Commission is committed to upholding professionalism and integrity throughout the recruitment process.”

The former Chief Justice exited office after he attained the mandatory retirement age of 70 years.

“My colleagues if you waver and do the wrong thing and this country descends in to chaos, God will never forgive you. Stand firm and do the right things. God and the people of Kenya will defend you,” the former Chief Justice said in his final statement as a Chief Justice.

President of the Law Society of Kenya Lawyer Nelson Havi also joined in on the debate after the JSC made the announcement on those shortlisted saying, the service has a plethora of great, distinguished legal minds ready and capable of serving the country.

Mr Justice Ngatia Fredrick SC, Chief Justice, and Mr Justice William Ouko, Judge of the Supreme Court will not be an unexpected recommendation by the Judicial Service Commission in view of those who have offered to serve in the two vacant offices. ^POLSK

— Nelson Havi (@NelsonHavi) February 10, 2021

The Commission has further shortlisted 9 names of individuals seeking to assume the position of a Supreme Court Judge.

They’re Justice William Ouko, Justice D.K. Marete, Alice Jepkoech Yano, Lady Justice Martha Koome, Justice Joseph Sergon, Justice Mathew N. Nduma and Justice Kathurima M’Inoti.

Others are Dr. Justry P. Lumumba and Said Juma Chitembwe.