Kenya’s President, Uhuru Kenyatta has urged seven newly appointed Court of Appeal judges to serve the nation with fidelity, integrity and without fear or favour.
Speaking shortly after witnessing the swearing-in of the judges at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, President Kenyatta asked the newly appointed judges to deliver justice in a “speedy, accessible, and consistent manner”.
Judiciary Chief Registrar Anne Amadi conducted the swearing-in ceremony of the seven appellate judges who included lawyer Gachoka Paul Mwaniki and High Court judges Achode Lydia Awino, Ochieng Frederick Andago, Mativo John Mutinga, Ngenye Grace Wangui, Kimaru Luka Kiprotich and Aroni Abida Ali.
“As you take your seats on the bench, remember that Kenyans expect more now from the judiciary than ever before. Kenyans yearn for a judicial branch that delivers justice without fear or favour in a speedy, accessible and consistent manner. Kenyans expect the authority that they have delegated to the judiciary to be exercised with utmost integrity and in keeping with the sacred principle of furthering the national good,” President Kenyatta said.
Noting that the appointment and subsequent swearing-in of the judges comes at a unique time when the nation is gearing towards the coming general elections, President Kenyatta emphasized the need for the judiciary to play its role effectively.
“Today, we mark an important aspect of our constitutional order and our democracy through the swearing-in of seven new judges of the Court of Appeal.”
“Kenyans yearn for a judicial branch that delivers justice without fear or favour in a speedy, accessible and consistent manner”
“This reaffirms our commitment to the Rule of Law and the foundational principles that underpin our vibrant democracy,” President Kenyatta said.
At the same time, the Head of State congratulated 18 advocates who were conferred the rank and title of Senior Counsel.
“To the Senior Counsel members, your service to the nation has not only been significant but also inspiring. On behalf of a grateful nation, I once again convey our congratulations for distinguishing yourselves by rendering exemplary service in the legal and public service arenas,” President Kenyatta said.
The 18 were conferred the coveted legal title on 20th July 2020 in recognition of the exemplary service rendered to the nation in the legal profession and in honour of their contribution to law and development.
Owing to the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 containment measures, the conferment ceremony was held today.
Those conferred included former Vice President Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, Mr. Charles Waweru Gatonye, Ms. Rautta Athiambo, Mr. Fredrick Ngatia, Mr. Mohammed Nyaoga, Dr. Albert Mumma, Ms. Beautah Alukhava Siganga, Mr. Kiragu Kimani, Ms. Judy Thongori, Ms. Zehrabanu Janmohamed, Dr. Wilfred Nderitu, Mr. John M. Ohaga and Mr. Kioko Kilukumi.
Others were Ms. Patricia Mande Nyaundi, Ms. Dorcas Agik Odhong Oduor, Hon. Abdikadir Hussein Mohamed, Hon. Paul Otiende Amollo and Mr. John Mugwimi Chigiti.
“To you all, may your works continue to be an inspiration for generations to come, serve your nation with fidelity,” President Kenyatta said.
Present during the ceremony were Head of Public Service Dr. Joseph Kinyua, Chief Justice Martha Koome, Deputy Chief Justice, Philomena Mwilu and Attorney General Paul Kihara Kariuki as well as Supreme and Court of Appeal judges among senior government officials.
