Annan lauds Kenya judicial appointments

Chief mediator Kofi Annan has lauded the judicial appointments announced by President Kibaki saying they were a true reflection that reforms were on course in Kenya.

He said the new Chief Justice, his deputy, Supreme Court judges and the Director of Public Prosecutions will be tasked with guiding reform in the Judiciary.

"Upon assuming office, the new incumbents will take on responsibility for guiding and facilitating much of the justice reforms contemplated in the new Constitution," said Dr Annan in a statement Friday.

"I wish them well."

Dr Annan, who negotiated a peace deal that ended months of post election violence in Kenya after a disputed presidential election in 2007, said he hoped the new office holders would fulfill Kenyans’ expectations.

"The appointments to these senior positions usher in a new era of judicial dispensation in Kenya. The expectations of the people are high.

"Kenya wants to see a fully independent, accountable and efficient justice system. These new appointments are a positive sign that reform in this sector is irreversibly underway," said Dr Annan, who is also the Chair of the Panel of Eminent African Personalities.

On Thursday, President Kibaki appointed Dr Willy Mutunga as Chief Justice, Ms Nancy Baraza as his deputy and Keriako Tobiko as DPP.

He also appointed five Supreme Court judges: Justice Philip Tunoi, Justice Jackton Ojwang, Justice Ibrahim Mohammed, Dr Smokin Wanjala and Ms Njoki Ndungu.

The five will join the CJ and deputy CJ to constitute a seven-judge bench.