Ruto Nominates Isaac Ruto To Judicial Service Commission

President William Ruto has nominated former Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto as a member of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

The announcement was made by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula during a session at the Parliament Buildings in Nairobi CBD.

Isaac Ruto was nominated alongside Caroline Nzilani Ajuoga to represent the public as a member of the Commission led by Chief Justice Martha Koome.

“His Excellency the President conveys that in exercise of the powers conferred on him via article 171 of the constitution and sections 3 and 5 of the public appointments parliamentary approval act 2011 he has nominated Caroline Nzilani and Isaac Kiprono Ruto as members of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). The President now seeks the approval of the nominees by this house,” Wetangula said as he read Ruto’s message.

Wetangula referred the appointments to the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) for consideration through formal vetting before their appointments are approved.

“Standing order 45 provides that upon receipt of a nomination for the appointment, such nomination shall stand committed to the relevant departmental committee for consideration.

“In this regard, I refer the message from the President, the certificate of the presidential nomination, together with the curriculum vitae and other testimonials of the nominees to the departmental committee of justice and legal affairs for consideration,” he added.

Isaac Ruto served as the first Bomet Governor between 2013 and 2017 before losing to the late Joyce Laboso during the 2017 general election.

He vied for the seat again during the 2022 general election under the Chama Cha Mashinani Party but lost to Hillary Barchok of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Barchok was declared the winner after defeating his close rival Isaac Ruto. He garnered 158,798 votes while Ruto got 137,323 votes.

What Is The Judicial Service Commission?

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is an independent Commission established under Article 171 of the Constitution of Kenya.

Its mandate is to promote and facilitate the independence and accountability of the Judiciary and the efficient, effective and transparent administration of justice.

The commission has 11 members with the initial team appointed in December 2010. This includes the Chief Justice, who serves as the chairperson, the Attorney General, a representative of the Law Society of Kenya, and other members appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament.

Roles

• Recommend individuals to the President for appointment as judges
• Review and recommend the conditions of service of judges and judicial officers, other than their remuneration and the staff of the Judiciary
• Appoint, receive complaints against, investigate and remove from office or otherwise discipline registrars, magistrates, other judicial officers and other staff of the Judiciary, in the manner prescribed by an Act of Parliament
• Prepare and implement programmes for the continuing education and training of judges and judicial officers
• Advise the national government on improving the efficiency of the administration of justice.

The recruitment of the other members of the JSC is governed by Article 171 of the Constitution of Kenya, which sets out the qualifications and criteria for appointment and involves a rigorous selection process that includes nominations, public vetting, and parliamentary approval. This is to ensure that only the most qualified and suitable candidates are appointed to the commission.

The President is required to appoint four members, subject to the approval of Parliament. They include two members nominated by the Parliamentary Service Commission, one of whom must be a woman; one member nominated by the Public Service Commission; and one member nominated by a panel of two nominees selected by the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya.

Qualifications for appointment to JSC:

1. Be a citizen of Kenya;
2. Have at least 15 years of experience in a profession relevant to the functions of the JSC;
3. Be a person of integrity, impartiality, and sound judgment;
4. Have knowledge and experience in matters of law, governance, or public administration; and
5. Not be a member of Parliament or a county assembly or hold any other public office or position that is incompatible with membership of the JSC.

Members, Secretary, and Registrar of the Judicial Service Commission at the steps of the Supreme Court on April 23, 2021, at the conclusion of two weeks of interviews of 10 candidates for the position of Chief Justice. /CAPITAL GROUP