JSC commissioner accuses Chief Justice Maraga of blocking plans for his succession

A row is brewing within the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) over the recruitment of the next Chief Justice after David Maraga’s retirement.

JSC commissioner Macharia Njeru has issued a statement in which he accuses justice Maraga of taking part in a plot scuttle his succession.

Njeru says that in September, the JSC agreed to ensure a smooth succession and appointed a committee to lead the process.

He further claims that subsequent meetings resolved to start the recruitment process and that the chief justice, his deputy and justice Warsame opposed the recruitment during a meeting on September 30, 2020.

Commissioner Njeru adds that a meeting scheduled for Friday, October 16 and meant to reach consensus was scuttled by the Chief Justice on Thursday evening.

The chief justice’s office said he was unavailable for comment referring us to the JSC.

Chief Justice Maraga is expected to retire in January 2021 upon the attainment of 70 years.