13 Apply for Chief Justice Post as Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, Supreme Court Judges Pass Up

13 candidates have applied for the position of Chief Justice, which fell vacant following the retirement of David Maraga last month. 

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on Wednesday said submission of applications for the position closed on February 9th and shortlisting will be done within 14 days.

The 13 applicants include Lady Justice Martha Koome, Senior Counsel Philip Murgor, Prof. Otinga Mare, Prof. Dr. Moni Wekesa, Justice William Ouko, and Justice D.K. Marete.

Others are Alice Jepkoech Yano, Justice Mathew N. Nduma, Senior Counsel Ngatia Fredrick, Prof. Patricia K. Mbote, Said Juma Chitembwe, Otondi Ontweka, and Ombongi Brian Matagaro.

Interestingly, none of the five remaining Supreme Court judges including Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, Justice Njoki Ndungu, Smokin Wanjala, Mohamed Ibrahim, and Isaac Lenaola applied for the top post.

The successful candidate will earn between Sh990,000 and Sh1,327,888 per month excluding benefits, according to a gazette notice published by JSC last month. 

Mwilu is holding the position of the Chief Justice in an acting capacity until a new officeholder is appointed.