Justice Martha Koome has been nominated by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to replace David Maraga as Kenya’s Chief Justice subject to approval of the President and vetting of parliament.

“The JSC has unanimously recommended the appointment of Hon Lady Justice Koome Martha Karabu, judge of the Court of Appeal as the Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya,” JSC chair Olive Mugenda announced on Tuesday, April 27 in Nairobi.

Justice Koome, if approved by the National Assembly will be Kenya’s first female justice.

Koome beat nine other candidates to emerge the best in the selection process that lasted two weeks. Those vetted by the JSC to replace Maraga who left office in Jan 11 include lawyer Philip Murgor, Lawyer Fredrick Ngatia, Justice Matthews Nduma, Justice William Ouko, Prof. Moni Wekesa, Justice Said Juma Chitembwe, Prof. Patricia Mbote, Lady Justice Martha Koome, Justice Marete Njagi and lawyer Alice Yano.