Speaking during his weekly briefings, State House Spokesman Manoah Esipisu pointed out that President Kenyatta had approved the nomination and expects the National Assembly to consider it when it resumes its sittings/FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 2 – President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent the name of Justice David Maraga as the nominee for the position of Chief Justice to Parliament for vetting.
Speaking during his weekly briefings, State House Spokesman Manoah Esipisu pointed out that President Kenyatta had approved the nomination and expects the National Assembly to consider it when it resumes sittings.
“The President has received notification in terms of the nominee for Chief Justice and he has transmitted that to Parliament. He expects the National Assembly to consider that when it reconvenes in due course after its brief recess,” he said.
Justice Maraga’s name was formally submitted to President Kenyatta last week following a rigorous interview process by the Judicial Service Commission.
According to the JSC panel, Maraga has qualities it was seeking including incorruptibility, independence, professionalism and dedication to reform and restoration of confidence in the Judiciary.
The 64-year-old jurist is a strict, Seventh-Day Adventist who has said he would not work on Saturday, even to preside over a presidential petition.
A day before his nomination, Maraga had handed to the President Kenyatta a report recommending removal of Justice Joseph Mutava from the Judiciary after a probe into claims of misconduct.
Maraga, a Court of Appeal Judge, emerged the best among 10 applicants interviewed by the JSC.
At the same time, President Kenyatta has called for patience on the process guiding the exit of IEBC Commissioners from office, saying it is still within the timelines.
“There has been some concern expressed about IEBC matters. All that needs to be said is that we are within the timelines, and that the arrangements will be completed within the time stipulated by the relevant laws,” he stated. “There is no need for the strong words that have been heard in some quarters.”
The government last week struck a deal with IEBC Commissioners on their exit to pave way for a new team that will conduct next year’s General Election.
READ: IEBC chiefs to know exit package Monday as talks end
The commissioners will however have to wait until Monday to know their individual exit package.
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