Mutula says vetting of judges will be fair
All judges and magistrates will be given a fair chance before the vetting panel, says Justice minister Mutula Kilonzo.
Mr Kilonzo on Monday moved to ease the anxiety that has gripped the Judiciary over mandatory vetting in the reform process.
But he warned that time was running out for the exercise, which was yet to kick off.
The Judges and Magistrates Vetting Board that will be interviewing the judges and magistrates in line with the requirements of section 23 of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution is yet to be set up.
According to the Act, the vetting shall not exceed one year although Parliament may, on the request of the board, extend the period for not more than one year.
The selection committee that will interview applicants has said it will shortlist candidates this week.
Going by the process of interviews and parliamentary approval, it follows that the board could be in place as late as next month.
According to Mr Kilonzo, the board is expected to be through with vetting by August next year.
''If by June 20 (Monday) we still do not have a board in place yet we have until August to vet the over 200 judges and magistrates, will we manage it? I am afraid time is not on our side,” said the minister.
