President William Ruto appears to have a cordial relationship with the judiciary, particularly with Chief Justice Martha Koome despite only being in office for a few months.
Kenya’s 2010 constitution empowers the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to interview and recommend judges. The commission then forwards the names to the president for appointment and a swearing-in ceremony follows.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC), through the Chief Justice, has written to the Head of State recommending the appointment of 20 High Court judges under this mandate. Koome revealed that JSC has submitted the names for appointment to President William Ruto.
The president is now in charge of the situation. President William Ruto appointed the four judges of the Court of Appeal on his first day in office, and the ceremony was held the next day.
The opposition, led by Raila Odinga, has been critical of the judiciary, accusing it of serving the executive’s interests.
by: Chesilim