Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi has criticized opposition leader Raila Odinga’s assertion that President William Ruto is planning to nominate former IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati as the Chief Justice.
While addressing a congregation in Kakamega, attended by Ruto, Mudavadi emphasized that anyone with the necessary qualifications has the right to contest any position in Kenya.
“The Judicial Service Commission is independent, and it has the right to recruit anybody who qualifies to be a judge of this republic. So it’s wrong for the Azimio leadership to start determining who the JSC should recruit,” Mudavadi said.
Mudavadi further stated that even Chebukati himself could become the Chief Justice of Kenya if he meets the required criteria.
“Whether it’s Chebukati or anyone else, if he submits his bid for the position of a judge, that is the responsibility of the JSC, not the responsibility of politicians to try and influence the JSC,” he added.
Mudavadi’s remarks followed claims by Azimio Leader Raila Odinga, who alleged a plan to appoint Chebukati as a Court of Appeal judge before nominating him as Chief Justice ahead of the 2027 elections.
Raila asserted that he learned about this intention after a recent meeting at State House between the Executive, led by President Ruto, and the Judiciary, led by Chief Justice Martha Koome.
According to Raila, the meeting was just one element of Ruto’s broader strategy to shape a judiciary that is favorable to his interests.
