Law Society of Kenya chairman Eric Mutua said that Abdullahi, who is one of the LSK’s representative on the Judicial Service Commission “opted not to contest the position” despite being eligible to run for a further term/FILE
Law Society of Kenya chairman Eric Mutua said that Abdullahi, who is one of the LSK’s representative on the Judicial Service Commission “opted not to contest the position” despite being eligible to run for a further term.
LSK is represented by two elected members, Abdullahi and Florence Mwangangi. The two LSK officials serve for three and five years but it is not specified whose term expires when.
In accordance with Section 20(3) of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of Kenya 2010, one LSK representative should serve on the JSC for three years and the other can go on for five years. The one who retires after three years can seek re-election for another term.
“Abdullahi volunteered and elected to be the one whose term ends in three years,” Mutua said and added that he opted not to seek re-election.
Mutua says he was forced to issue a statement on the matter, following reports that LSK was plotting to remove Abdullahi as their representative to the JSC.
Abdullahi had recently indicated on his Twitter handle that he was “consulting widely and the voters will decide” his fate. He went on to further state that he does not represent LSK on the JSC but all 8,500 advocates.
Abdullahi was elected to the JSC in 2010 through secret ballot by lawyers. He got 896 votes while his closest rival Chacha Odera had 482 votes. Mwangangi took the female LSK slot with 465 votes defeating Mercy Ondeche who got 410 votes.
The JSC is chaired by Chief Justice Willy Mutunga and has 10 members including Justice Smokin Wanjala representing the Supreme Court, Justice Isaac Lenaola representing the High Court, Emily Ominde representing Magistrates, Attorney General Githu Muigai, Titus Gatere, Prof Christine Mango, Rev Samuel Kobia and Shollei who is the secretary.
The JSC is tasked with hiring judges and magistrates and making recommendations on the conditions of service of judges and judicial officers.
About The Author
