Judicial Service Commission (JSC) – the body legally mandated to vet applicants for the position of the Chief Justice and President of the Judiciary – is set to start interviews, on Monday 12 March 2021, for 10 applicants seeking to succeed Justice (rtd) David Kenani Maraga.
This is an issue set to attract heightened public interest owing to the significant role the next CJ will play in steering an institution that has been plagued by both internal and external challenges.
As the body charged with the task of safeguarding the rule of law – the throbbing heart of a functional democracy – the next president of the Supreme Court will have to shepherd the institution through tumultuous waters, in light of the upcoming BBI referendum and the 2022 General Elections.
As young people, we underscore the vitality of a robust and impartial judiciary under a steadfast CJ in creating a better Kenya, now and in the future.
The hunt for the Maraga successor has already triggered a furore with several quarters expressing a host of misgivings over a range of issues around the process.
Youths in Kenya are looking forward to an interview process defined by transparency, professionalism and integrity.
The process should be devoid of partisan politics and shenanigans as has been the case with past processes of appointing judicial officers.
The search for Maraga’s successor should produce a man/woman who will pick up on the great strides made under the outgoing CJ.
We are watching.
Shamala Dauclas is the Chairman, Kenya Youth Alliance.
The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect Sichwa New’s editorial stance.
