High Court Judge John Mativo on Friday suspended the appointment of President Uhuru Kenyatta's three nominees to the Judiciary Service Commission (JSC).
Justice Mativo gave his ruling following an application filed by the Yash Pal Ghai-led Katiba Institute.
The Institute is opposed to the nomination of Dr Olive Mugenda, former Cabinet Secretary Felix Koskei and Patrick Gichohi arguing that the three were not nominated in a transparent process.
An affidavit signed by Director Ghai claimed that three appointments were meant to interfere with the JSC's independence, function and public perception.
[caption caption="Katiba Institute's Prof. Yash Pal Ghai"]
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"To allow them to take the oath and assume office will be in violation of the Constitution," the Professor stated.
The Institute further accused the National Assembly of ignoring integrity questions raised against the three and proceeding to vet them.
Justice Mativo suspended any plans to swear in the three nominees and also barred plans to gazette the three nominees.
The Judge further stated that the orders would take effect from Friday until 14 days elapse. The case would be heard on March 20.
President Kenyatta announced the nomination of the three on February 13 and they were vetted by the Parliamentary Committee on Justice on February 21.
Lawyer Donald Kipkorir opposed the nomination of the former Kenyatta University Vice-Chancellor explaining that she had more cases filed against her and this would jeopardize Kenya's Judicial system.
[caption caption="Dr Olive Mugenda"]
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