Ex-Chief Justice Bernard Chunga declines appointment by DPP after public uproar

Former Chief Justice Bernard Chunga has declined an appointment to chair the task-force for the establishment and operationalization of the inspectorate unit in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP).

In a letter addressed to Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji, Chunga cited personal reasons for his decision to decline the offer.

“…Due to other pressing commitments I have undertaken elsewhere, I regret to advise that I will not be able to undertake the appoitment. It remains to wish you, your office and the Task Force the very best in all your endeavours,” reads part of the letter.

A lobby group, Chama Cha Mawakili, had on Monday, filed a suit seeking to have the Chunga’s appointment, which sparked public uproar, quashed.

The group argued that the appointment of Chunga, who resigned as Chief Justice in 2003, was not preceded by any form of merit or fair competition.

“Instead the appointment were contrary to the constitution which makes it peremptory that appointments in public service be based on principles of accountability, merit and competition,” reads court papers.

They further argued that there was no advertisement or communication made to members of the public of the existence of the positions or interviews carried out.

The lobby group further claimed that the choice of Chunga rekindled bad memories of many of his victims from his actions when he served as the Deputy Public Prosecutor and Chief Justice.

The DPP, Attorney General and Law Society of Kenya were named as respondents in the case.