JSC postpones Appeal Judges interviews to mourn Magistrate Kivuti

In a statement by JSC Secretary Winfridah Mokaya, the Judiciary will take time to honour the life and service of Magistrate Monica Kivuti who died after she was shot inside the Makadara Law Courts on Thursday last week. 

The JSC hailed Kivuti as a committed magistrate who upheld the rule of law and professionalism in dispensing her duties. 

"Hon. Kivuti was a valued member of the Judiciary team, known for her unwavering commitment in upholding the rule of law and profound professionalism and dedication in ensuring justice for all," the statement read in part. 

"The JSC extends the deepest condolences to Hon Kivuti's family, friends and all those who had the privilege of working with her."

The Commission had shortlisted 41 candidates for the Court of Appeal judge position, from a list of 82 who had expressed interest. From this, they are set to reduce the list to 11 judges who will fill the vacancies in the Court of Appeal. 

Among the candidates included former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chair Ahmed Issack Hassan, Justices Nduma Nderi, Antony Mrima, Grace Nzioka, Elijah Ogoti, Alfred Mabeya and Katwa Kigen (President William Ruto's lawyer at the International Criminal Court (ICC). 

Some of the notable names that missed out on the list were former IEBC chair Wafula Chebukati and former Nyeri County Woman Representative Priscilla Nyokabi. 

The commission will announce the new dates for the interviews whereby the shortlisted candidates will take turns before the interview panel at the CBK Pension Towers in Nairobi. 

Thereafter, the names will be forwarded to President Ruto for appointment; in a move that is anticipated to reduce the backlog of the cases in the courtrooms.