The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is expected to start interviews for 30 candidates shortlisted for the Court of Appeal judges on Monday next week.

JSC intends to appoint only six out of the 30 candidates.

The process had hit a snag after the High Court barred JSC from conducting the interviews following a suit filed by Katiba Institute.

Katiba Institute had sued Chief Justice Martha Koome and JSC seeking to stop the recruitment of new judges until six judges left out by the President are appointed into office.

The orders were, however, suspended by Court of Appeal judges who ruled that the lobby had failed to demonstrate what prejudice they would suffer if the recruitment process proceeded as intended.

Public interest

“The appellants have successfully demonstrated both arguability and the nugatory aspect, and bolstered this with a demonstration that it is in the public interest that the recruitment process of the much-needed judges proceed uninterrupted pending the hearing and determination of the petition before the High Court,” Justices Wanjiru Karanja, Agnes Murgor and Imaana Laibuta had ruled.

Among those shortlisted for the Court of Appeal, judges are 22 serving judges including High Court Principal Judge Lydia Achode, Alfred Mabeya, the presiding judge of the Commercial division and Judges Abida Ali Aroni, Eboso Benard Mweresa, Githua Cecilia Wathaiya, Kimaru Luka Kiprotich.

Others include Makau Onesmus Ndumbuthi, Mativo John Mutinga, Justice Meoli Christine Wanjiku, Muchemi Florence Nyaguthii, Musyoka William Musya, Muthuku Francis Gikonyo, Nduma Mathews Nderi, Ngaah Jairus, Ngenye Grace Wangui, Ochieng’ Frederick Andago, Ogola Eric Kennedy Okumu, Okong’o Samson Odhiambo, Ong’udi Hedwig Imbosa, Radido Stephen Okiyo and Sergon Joseph Kiplagat.

In the JSC Notice dated June 20th, signed by the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, Anne Amadi, who is also the Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), four candidates will be interviewed per day starting from 9 am to 4pm.