Judges' vetting panel seeks public views to reform Judiciary

The recommendations will form part of the Judges and Magistrates Vetting Board report to President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Sharad Rao, chairman, the Judges and Magistrates Vetting Board. PHOTO | ROBERT NGUGI | NATION MEDIA GROUP 

In Summary

• The recommendations will form part of its report that will be handed over to President Uhuru Kenyatta when their term finally comes to an end.
• Among the issues likely to be referred to the board is the fate of High Court Judge Nicholas Ombija, who has challenged in the High Court the board's declaration earlier this month that he is unfit to hold office.

By ABIUD OCHIENG
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The Judges and Magistrates Vetting Board, which is currently drafting its final report, is seeking feedback from all stakeholders on how best to reform the Judiciary.

The recommendations will form part of its report that will be handed over to President Uhuru Kenyatta when the board's term ends.

Mr Sharad Rao, the chairman of the board, on Thursday said Parliament had extended the board's term for three months.

He said that during the period, the board will draft its final report, archiving all the materials and information as required by law.

They will also use that period to conclude pending cases in court.

“Although the remaining assignment is enormous, we endeavour to conclude within the provided time frame,” said Mr Rao.

Among the issues likely to be referred to the board is the fate of High Court Judge Nicholas Ombija, who has challenged in the High Court the board's declaration earlier this month that he is unfit to hold office. The matter may return to the board if the court so directs.

A judge and 19 magistrates successfully filed applications for review before the board and had declarations of unsuitability against them lifted.

However, eight other magistrates failed to overturn declarations of unsuitability against them.