Justice Anthony Mrima Elected as Judges’ Representative to the JSC

Justice Anthony Mrima has been elected as the new Judges’ representative to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), following a decisive victory in the recent elections. With a total of 95 votes, Justice Mrima outpaced his competitors, Justice Munyao Sila and Justice James Otieno, who received 27 and 15 votes respectively.

Justice Mrima, currently serving as a High Court Judge based in Kitale, will take over the position previously held by the late Justice David Majanja. His election marks a significant moment for the judiciary, as Mrima prepares to step into this critical role.

After the elections held in Kisumu on Friday, Justice Mrima expressed his gratitude to his fellow judges for their trust and support. He emphasized the pivotal role of the judiciary in maintaining the country’s stability and reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for judicial independence.

“The judiciary is fundamental to the stability of our nation. Any interference with the judiciary undermines the stability and integrity of the country,” Mrima asserted. He highlighted that safeguarding judicial independence is crucial for protecting and upholding the constitution.

In preparation for his new role, Justice Mrima has pledged to engage extensively with his colleagues within the Judges’ caucus to address their concerns and ensure that their voices are heard. He is expected to be officially sworn in next week, marking the beginning of his tenure on the JSC.

During the elections, Mr. Isaac Ruto, the JSC Representative of the Public, commended the judges for the orderly and peaceful manner in which the elections were conducted. Ruto underscored the importance of judicial independence in fostering national unity, peace, and adherence to the rule of law.

However, Ruto also raised concerns about the challenges facing the judiciary, particularly the issue of inadequate funding. He pointed out that limited financial resources have significantly impacted the judiciary’s ability to deliver effective services. Ruto criticized the disparity in funding, noting that some government institutions with narrower mandates receive more financial support than the judiciary.

“It is crucial that the judiciary receives the necessary funding to effectively carry out its responsibilities. We hope that in the future, adequate resources will be allocated to ensure the judiciary can fully execute its mandate,” Ruto stated.

Justice Mrima’s election comes at a time when the judiciary’s role in upholding the constitution and maintaining the rule of law is under increased scrutiny. His commitment to enhancing judicial independence and addressing the concerns of his colleagues reflects a dedication to reinforcing the judiciary’s critical role in the country’s governance.

As Mrima prepares to assume his new responsibilities, there is anticipation that his leadership will contribute to strengthening the judiciary and addressing the challenges it faces. His focus on protecting the integrity of the judiciary and ensuring that it operates with the necessary independence and resources will be closely watched by the legal community and the public alike.