David Maraga floored ten candidates for the position of Chief Justice of Kenya to emerge triumphant after a week-long evaluation by the Judicial Service Commission.
His name is set to be forwarded to President Uhuru Kenyatta for approval before being presented to Parliament for vetting.
Maraga, who is the head the Appeals Court in Kisumu exhibited moments of humor leaving the JSC and viewers who were following the proceedings awed in his responses which showed a lot of experience in the judicial process.
When asked why he was convinced that he is the most qualified to succeed retired Chief Justice Dr. Willy Mutunga, the 64-year-old said:
“As a lawyer and as a judge, I have wide experience to enable me to lead the Supreme Court to the development of jurisprudence.”
Maraga said he would fast-track the implementation of the legal aid act that ensures Kenyans seeking access to justice are not locked out due to inability to hire a lawyer.
On same-sex marriage, Maraga said he would deal with such cases in accordance with the law; but also consider what is morally and culturally acceptable.
“Marriage is between a man and a woman. So I would go by those principles,” he stated.