The Judicial Service Commission has recommended the appointment of High court judge, Justice Isaac Lenaola as Supreme Court judge to the joy of Kenyans, with the majority regarding him as a sober judge and one of the greatest in the county’s judiciary.

The JSC has after lengthy deliberations recommended Hon Mr. Justice Isaac Lenaola, for appointment as Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya and has submitted his name to his Excellency the President,” JSC stated in a statement.

Lenaola will be replacing retired judge Phillip Tunoi, who left office on June 14 after the Supreme Court ruled that judges, should retire at 70. 

Gender commission rejects Lenaola nomination as Supreme Court judge

The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), has however rejected judge Lenaola’s nomination to Supreme Court terming the decision unconstitutional as JSC did not adhere to the two-thirds gender rule.

According to the commission’s chairperson Winfred Lichuma, the Supreme Court is made up of five males and two females, which translates to a 71.4 per cent and 28.6 per cent respectively in favour of men.

“We are dismayed that JSC despite our advice on the compliance with the two-thirds gender principle failed to adhere to the Constitution by nominating a man as Judge of the Supreme Court,” Lichuma said.

If appointed Isaac Lenaola will be joining Justices Mohammed Ibrahim, Jackton Boma Ojwang’, Smokin Wanjala, Njoki Ndung’u on the Supreme Court bench.