Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on Thursday concluded interviewing 35 judges and advocates seeking to fill 15 posts for judges of the Court of Appeal.
The commission, chaired by Chief Justice Martha Koome, completed the interviews with Justice Sila Munyao of the Environment and Land court, before embarking on the process of picking the successful candidates.
Among the issues the commission sought from the candidates were integrity, skills and expertise they would bring to the appellate court, the best way they think can help reduce case backlog and how they will deal with fellow judges when they sit as a bench.
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The commission also posed tough questions to the candidates about why they wanted to join the Judiciary, given that some are successful in their private practice, academia, or state jobs.
The candidates were tested on general knowledge and understanding of the law and were required to demonstrate their ability to make prompt decisions.
“I will bring competence to the Court of Appeal. The court requires a judge with sound legal knowledge- both substantive and procedural, analytical and research skills when dealing with new areas of law,” Employment and Labour Relations court judge Stephen Radido said when asked what value he will bring to the appellate court.
Justice Lucy Mbugua said she loved her job and would be happy to be elevated to the Court of Appeal to continue dispensing justice. “I have skills of collegiality and team work,” he said.
When asked about instances in which she had made mistakes and perhaps regretted them, the High Court judge said she demands a lot when it comes to compliance and timelines.
“I resort to questioning and this might have rubbed others in the wrong way and I have realized that in an environment when you are working with other people, it is important to recognise their weakness and strengths. I now listen more and try to understand first,” she said.
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Asked how he will deal with a case where a man dying of a terminal disease and his doctors have given him two weeks to live, but the man demands his ‘right to die’ in dignity, Justice Munyao said, ” We all live on borrowed time. It is not for us to say end my life.”
The judge maintained there are no provisions allowing a doctor to take someone’s life.
Justice Joseph Sergon suggested using the Alternative Justice System (AJS) as a way of reducing case backlog, where it is applicable.
Other candidates who were interviewed are the chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) Ahmed Issack Hassan, University of Nairobi lecturer Prof Migai Akech, Katwa Kigen, Paul Lilan, Dr Lucy Wanja, Dr Joseph Kaberia and Brown Murungi.
Mr Hassan was questioned about the ‘chicken gate scandal’ but maintained his innocence and that he testified in the case where former Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) officials have been charged in court over procurement offences.
