Regardless of the merits or demerits of existing laws on gender equality, consideration of a woman to succeed retiring Chief Justice David Maraga is already being pushed by those who argue it is about time we have a female chief justice. It is a compelling argument except that it is more convincing that it is about time we had someone from the marginalised community head the Supreme Court. The Chief Justice and president of the Supreme Court post require someone who is incorruptible and unencumbered with even the slightest doubt as to their honour and integrity. The two leading women who would naturally be considered to succeed Maraga are Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu and Supreme Court judge Njoki Ndung’u. By virtue of the fact the two women are in the Supreme Court, they no doubt qualify for the elevation if consideration was only their mental acuity or judiciousness.

Source: The Star December 13, 2020 06:33 UTC