Justice Fatuma Sichale sworn in as Court of Appeal representative to JSC

Lady Justice Fatuma Sichale has been sworn in as the representative of the Court of Appeal to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

Justice Sichale took an oath of office on Monday, February 5, at a ceremony presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome at the Supreme Court, Nairobi.

She replaces Justice Mohammed Warsame, whose two-year term ended.

Justice Sichale was elected by Court of Appeal judges to be the JSC representative in a highly contested election that saw her beat justices Patrick Kiage and Gatembu Kairu to emerge winner.

In her acceptance speech, she termed the election as a significant milestone in her four decades of judicial career and vowed to serve with diligence.

"40 years ago, I was in this same premises interviewing for the position of a District Magistrate 2. To be sworn in today as a JSC member representing the Court of Appeal is almost at the pinnacle of one's career as a judicial officer," Justice Sichalle said.

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She was referring to her appointment as a District Magistrate 2, 40 years ago.

CJ Martha Koome congratulated Sichale for her new position, noting that she will be a valuable team player toward the realization of the Commission’s constitutional mandate.

"I am certain you will be a valuable team player in the commission. Your 40 years in service is a rich addition, which I'm sure will add value to the commission," said CJ  Koome.

The JSC consists of 11 members headed by the CJ, one Supreme Court judge elected by the judges of the Supreme Court and one Court of Appeal judge elected by the judges of the Court of Appeal among others.

The members are mandated to recommend persons fit for appointment as judges to the president and make recommendations on the conditions of service of judges and judiciary staff.

All members of the commission, apart from the Chief Justice and Attorney General, hold office for a term of five years and shall be eligible to be nominated for one further term of five years.