Judges, magistrates fight for top posts

Judges and magistrates have locked horns over top positions in the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association, ahead of elections to choose a new representative to the Judicial Service Commission.

At stake is the association’s presidency that was previously reserved for judges but a storm is brewing after magistrates sponsored Resident Magistrate Tom Mark Olando to vie for the position.

The members will also elect a new commissioner among the magistrates but the judges will also vote.

Several judges held a meeting in Naivasha last month where they resolved to back Lady Justice Hedwig Ong’udi for the association’s presidency.

Justice Fred Ochieng’, the incumbent President, will not seek re-election.

The bone of contention is the number of magistrates expected to participate in the election against that of the judges.

There are slightly over 500 magistrates while the association has only 146 judges.

The association’s secretary-general Byran Khaemba denied there was any acrimony.

“We may have up to four candidates for that position (secretary-general). Stakes are very high but all is fine,” Mr Khaemba said.

He has informed all members that seven posts will be up for grabs in the October 31 elections. He is defending his seat.

The positions to be contested are president, vice-president, secretary-general, treasurer, vice treasurer and a Judicial Service Commission representative.

So far, the incumbent Emily Ominde, Kiambu Principal Magistrate Julie Oseko and Nakuru Chief Magistrate Doreen Mulekyo have declared interest in the post.