Uhuru sends Koome’s name to Parliament

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday submitted the name of Lady Justice Martha Koome to Parliament for approval following JSC nomination.

The move paves the way for the National Assembly to begin vetting and approval for the appointment of Justice Martha Koome as Kenya’s 15th Chief Justice.

Uhuru on Wednesday formally communicated to the House, Justice Koome’s nomination for CJ and President of the Supreme Court.

While communicating to Members, Speaker Justin Muturi presented the certificate of presidential nomination, the judge’s CV, testimonials and recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission on the recruitment and selection process for the Chief Justice.

Muturi said the head of state seeks the approval of the National Assembly on the said nomination.

Muturi directed the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee chaired by Kangema MP Muturi Kigano to conduct the vetting and report the findings to the House within 28 days.

“You should notify the nominee and the general public immediately of the date and place of the approval hearings,” Muturi said.

“The committee should thereafter commence the necessary approval hearings and submit a report on or before May 25 for debate and decision by the House,” he added.

The law provides that the President appoints the Chief Justice and deputy chief justice in accordance with the JSC recommendations and subject to the approval of the National Assembly.

JSC on Tuesday recommended lady Justice Martha Koome to be the country’s next Chief Justice. 

JSC panel Chairperson Professor Olive Mugenda on Teusday announced the panel’s recommendation stating that they unanimously agreed on Justice Koome to be the country’s next Chief.

This comes days after JSC finalized with its that ended on Friday April 23, 2021,

Ten candidates who were eyeing for the post appeared before the JSC panel.

Constitutionally, the name of the appointee is submitted to the president who will either accept it or dismiss it.

Koome has 33 years experience in the legal practice and a fraction of those years, she has been in public service and a vocal compaigner for human rights.

The court of Appeal Judge hails from Kithiu village in Meru and is a holder of a Master’s degree in Public International Law from the University of London.

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