New judges sworn in at State House

President Kibaki has urged the newly-recruited judges to use their vast knowledge and skills to restore Kenyans’ faith in the country’s judicial system.

Speaking after their swearing-in Friday, the President also urged the 28 judges to focus on executing their mandate in accordance with the law and not to be distracted by prophets of doom.

The ceremony at State House Nairobi, was also attended by Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka.

President Kibaki expressed confidence that the judges were equal to the task and that important legislation and creation of important constitutional commissions had so far been achieved to consolidate Constitution implementation.

He urged the Judiciary to play its rightful role in the remaining phases of the Constitution implementation process.

Chief Justice Willy Mutunga said the recruitment of the new judicial staff marks the beginning of a transformative Judiciary.

He said further recruitment would continue in the lower echelons.

The Chief Justice also confirmed that vital dialogue between the three arms of the government was taking place.

Thirteen of the 28 judges are women.

The new judges will be dealing with a huge backlog of pending cases caused by corruption and lack of space, but the new Milimani Law Courts, which has 56 courtrooms will help ease this.

Their swearing-in came a day after Parliament approved the membership of the Vetting of Judges and Magistrates Board.

The board is chaired by veteran lawyer Shard Sadashiv Rao. Its members are Kenyans Justus Maithya Munyithya, Roseline Odhiambo Odede, Prof Ngotho wa Kariuki, Meuledi Mabruki Iseme and Abdirashid Abdullahi.

The others - Sir Stephen Sedley, Lady Justice Georgina Wood and Louise Otis - are foreigners.