By Sarah Omondi
After nearly two years of stalemate between the Judiciary and Executive over the appointment of 41 judges, President Uhuru Kenyatta has finally confirmed names for 34 judges leaving out six others who include two judges who sat in the bench that nullified the push to amend the Constitution.
The President rejected nomination of Justices George Odunga and Prof Joel Ngugi who sat in the bench that termed the Building Bridges Initiative unconstitutional and that of Aggrey Muchelule and Weldon Korir, both Judges of the High Court.
The six names have been returned to the Judicial Service Commission.
Mr Kenyatta rejected the list, forwarded to him for appointment by JSC in August 2019, citing integrity issues among some judges. The list included 11 judges to the Court of Appeal, 20 judges to the Environment and Land Court and 10 judges to the Employment and Labour Relations Court.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga efforts to have Mr Kenyatta appoint the judges were unsuccessful.
The judges who were appointed include High Court judges Jessie Lesiit, Pauline Nyamweya, Francis Tuiyott, Mumbi Ngugi and Hellen Omondi. Also appointed was long serving Justice Msagha Mbogholi and Dr Imanata Laibuta.
The Head of State also appointed nine nominees to the Employment and Labour Relations court. Among them was Gakeri Jacob Kariuki, Kebira Ocharo, Matanga Bernard Odongo, Kitiku Agnes Mueni-Nzei, Mwaure Ann Ngibuini, Baari Christine Noontatua, Nderitu David Njagi, Keli Jemima Wanza and Rutto Stella Chemtai.
Eighteen (18) judges were appointed to the Environment and Land Court. They include Kimani Lilian Gathoni, Addraya Edda Dena, Wabwoto Karoph Edward, Naikuni Lucas Leperes, Gicheru Maxwell Nduiga, Omollo Lynette Achieng’, Koross Anne Yatich and Mogeni Ann Jacqueline.
Others were Mboya Oguttu Joseph, Mwanyale Michael Ngolo, Kamau Joseph Mugo, Ongarora Fred Nyagaka, Asati Esther, Christopher Kyania Nzili, Washe Emmanuel Mutwana, Nyukuri Annet, Mugo David Mwangi and Murigi Theresa Wairimu.
One of the judges, Harrison Okeche, died in a road accident last year.
The partial appointment comes barely two weeks after Chief Justice Martha Koome was sworn in.
