Next Chief Justice? Kenyans Online Heap Praises on Justice Mumbi Ngugi

Kenyans on social media are praising High Court Justice Mumbi Ngugi over her handling of corruption-related cases.

This follows her latest ruling on Wednesday where she ordered three members of the infamous Ngirita family to surrender to the government five parcels of land and three cars cumulatively valued at Sh400 million.

The judge noted that the assets owned by Lucy Ngirita, Phyllis Ngirita, and Jeremiah Ngirita were acquired through proceeds of crime—money looted from the National Youth Service (NYS).

"Between them, they received approximately Sh400 million from NYS and used some of the money to acquire the properties which constitute proceeds of crime. Evidence shows that on the periods they received the money, they went on a spending spree to hide their theft,” part of her ruling said. 

The five parcels of land include a two-acre in Kitale, half an acre in Naivasha, a quarter acre in Nakuru, and Njoro as well as another piece of land in Naivasha. 

The three vehicles are a Toyota Station Wagon registration KCH 753U, Toyota Station Wagon registration number KCH 600H and a Toyota Pickup with number plate KCH 889M.

Last year, Justice Mumbi made another landmark ruling that requires county governors charged with graft to stay away from their offices until their cases are heard and determined.

The ruling was used to bar Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and impeached former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu from visiting their offices after they were charged with graft-related offenses.

Kenyans online have hailed Justice Mumbi for setting good precedence and have suggested she becomes the country’s next Chief Justice when David Maraga retires early next year.

@Asamoh_said: “Justice Mumbi Ngugi, Justice prof. Ngugi, Justice George Odunga, Justice Isaac Lenaola are some of the fine legal minds. They are contributing greatly to jurisprudence. Always thinking outside the box.”

@o_abuga tweeted: “I think Justice Mumbi Ngugi should be promoted. She should be the replacement of CJ Maraga. Her fidelity to the rule of law only rivals that of the outgoing CJ. She's set a precedent in prosecution of graft cases. Ngiritas have been sweating, Waititu and Sonko coz of her.”

@sukre_stated: “Lady Justice Mumbi Ngugi's decisions on matters placed before her are always spot on. Yes, let us give women a chance to steer this country to the right direction. They deserve it.”