Attorney General Justin Muturi was on Tuesday, November 1, sworn in as a member of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
The oath of office was presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome at the Supreme Court.
Muturi takes over from Kihara Kariuki at JSC. Kariuki served as AG under the previous administration of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
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In his brief speech, the AG pledged to support the mandate of the commission including ensuring independence and accountability of the third arm of government.
"This Commission is charged with what I consider a venerable, if not sacred, duty. Besides the recruitment and discipline of judges and judicial officers, the Commission is, more importantly, required by the Constitution to promote and facilitate the independence and accountability of the Judiciary.
"These are critical functions whose proper discharge is required to undergird a functioning and effective judicial system that will inspire public confidence and ensure the legitimacy of judges and their decisions.
The Judiciary plays an important role in constitutional democracies through its power of review of legislative enactments and executive action," he said.
"As a Commission, we have the primary duty of ensuring that our courts and our judges are better enabled to undertake these functions and that they are also held to account in the performance of their roles."
He also lauded the commission for the milestone in improving access to justice in the country in the recent years.
"Much progress has been made especially since the promulgation of the current Constitution in 2010. Whereas more still remains to be done; there is no doubt that there has been significant and commendable progress in enhancing access to justice, and in making our courts more effective, efficient and transparent. As a result, public confidence continues to grow in our courts, as they increasingly assert their independence by rendering decisions that reflect fidelity to the law," he said.
"On this my first day with you, may I assure you of my full and unwavering support and commitment towards the fulfillment of the role of the Commission."
On her part, Koome observed that having served as Speaker of the National Assembly and Magistrate, he will be a valuable team-player in JSC and serve as a link between the Commission and the Executive.
"You are joining the JSC just shortly after the Commission recently launched and began implementing its Strategic Plan 2022- 2027 with a view to provide strategic guidance in the quest to realize the Commission’s vision which is to be 'A Commission of excellence in promoting an
independent, transparent, and accountable Judiciary,'" she said.
"I am sure that your voice, perspectives and insights will greatly enrich our actions in pursuit of the strategic objectives identified in the Plan, including the overall objective of putting in place a people-centered justice system in Kenya."
