We will not automatically rubberstamp Maraga as CJ – MP

As Appellate Judge David Kenani Maraga, who was nominated for the position of Chief Justice, await vetting by the National Assembly, Homa Bay Member of Parliament, George Peter Opondo Kaluma, says the legislators will not automatically rubberstamp the nomination without scrutinizing the Judge.

Despite joining other Kenyans in congratulating Justice Maraga, Kaluma – while appearing on Citizen TV’s Power Breakfast show, Friday, September 23, said the approval process by the National Assembly will offer an opportunity by Kenyans to know how the various candidates faired in the interviews conducted by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

He added that the approval process will also offer an opportunity to Kenyans to know how JSC arrived at the candidate.

According to sources within JSC, Justice Maraga received an approval rating of 84% and was followed by Supreme Court Judge Smokin Wanjala at 74% and law scholar Prof Makau Mutua at 72%.

“During the Parliamentary approval process, we will be given the finer details on how JSC arrived at the 84% score. We will also look at the points given at each and every consideration against what we know about Maraga,” said Kaluma.

Maraga, 64, was named the top candidate after beating 11 others including Supreme Court Judges Jackton Boma Ojwang’ and Smokin Wanjala.

His name was forwarded to the President who will now convey it to the National Assembly for vetting. Should he be approved, the Head of State will proceed to appoint him the Chief Justice and the President of the Supreme Court of Kenya.