Martha Koome one step away from making history as first female Chief Justice

The president on Wednesday, April 28, communicated to the House the nomination of Martha Koome as the next president of the Supreme Court.

The head of the state presented the certificate of CJ nominee, her curriculum vitae, testimonials, and recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission on the recruitment and selection process for the CJ.

While confirming to have received the name, the National Assembly Speaker Justine Muturi told the house that it is president Uhuru’s wish to have Koome’s nomination go through.

“The president, therefore, seeks the approval of the National Assembly on the said nomination,” Muturi informed MPs.

The Legal Affairs Committee chaired by Kangema Member of Parliament now has 28 days to conduct the vetting and report the findings to the House.

The speaker further asked the committee to notify the nominee and the general public immediately of the date and place of the approval hearings.

 Koome clinched the nomination after after beating other nine contesters that were shortlisted for the interview.

However, her nomination has not only raised public reactions but has also been faulted by some of the candidates who were eying to succeed David Maraga.

According to Fred Ngatia, the nomination process by the Judicial Service Commission, some commissioners from the Mt. Kenya region reduced his score after they were called by powerful people suspected to be from government.

“Four commissioners from Mt. Kenya reduced my credit after they were called by powerful people. Without that intervention, I was far ahead of all the other candidates,” Ngatia said a day after Kooome was declared the winner in the race.