By Lauryne Akoth
A big win for the former prosecutor Hon. Alexander Muasya Muteti as JSC nominates him for the office of Judge of the High Court.
Mr Muteti was among the 100 shortlisted candidates for the 20 advertised vacancies in the office of judge of the high court on 13th October 2023.
The commission conducted interviews for the positions between 3rd April 2024 and 3rd May 2024. 95 candidates were interviewed after 4 withdrew their applications and one candidate, Winfridah Boyani Mokaya was appointed the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary.
Read More: JSC Appoints Mokaya Frida As Chief Registrar Of Judiciary
Mr. Muteti was interviewed on April 3rd, amid uncertainty triggered by former LSK president Nelson Havi’s letter to the JSC, which raised concerns about Muteti’s suitability for the position.
Havi alleged Muteti had a blemished record during his tenure in the office of the ODPP. Furthermore, he alleged that Muteti was an alcoholic and therefore unfit to hold office.
Read More: “Havi Takes Alcohol, It Is Public Knowledge,”-Muteti Fires Back At Havi
The JSC granted Muteti the opportunity to respond to the allegations leveled against him to which he noted the accusations were malicious.
“I used to take alcohol but I am surprised Mr. Havi who happens to be my friend does not know I stopped taking alcohol over a year ago. Common prudence would dictate that before you make such a monumental accusation, one would inquire from friends and colleagues that I interact with daily.” Said muteti.
Muteti also responded to the issues about his tenure at the office of the ODPP as a prosecutor to which he implored the commission to safeguard him per Article 236 of the constitution, which shields public officers from discrimination based on the execution of their duties.
“In light of provisions of article 236 of the constitution which protects public officers from discrimination on account of the performance of their duties, kindly protect me. Otherwise, you will never recruit a prosecutor in this country. Prosecutors do not serve cake and ale, they make decisions that cause pain,” noted Muteti.
Other nominees alongside Muteti Include: Mr. Moses Ado Otieno, Ms. Alice Chepngetich Bett Soi, Mr. Benjamin Mwikya Musyoki, Hon. John Lolwatan Tamar, Hon. Francis Weche Andayi, OGW, Mr. Andrew Bahati Mwamuye, Hon. Julius Kipkosgei Ng’arng’ar, Hon. Wendy Kagendo Micheni, Hon. Emily Onyando Ominde Ms. Helene Rafaela Namisi.
Hon. Julius Mukut Nangea, Mr. Benjamin Kimani Njoroge, Hon. Caroline Jepyegen Kendagor, Hon. Stephen Nzisi Mbungi, Hon. Linus Poghon Kassan, Ms. Noel Onditi Adagi Inziani, Ms. Tabitha Ouya Wanyama, Ms. Rhoda Cherotich Rutto and Hon. Joe Omido Mkutu.