Maraga Awards Controversial Judge With New Role

Chief Justice David Maraga speaks at Maranda High School during celebrations to mark 100 years on Friday, February 14, 2020
Chief Justice David Maraga speaks at Maranda High School during celebrations to mark 100 years on Friday, February 14, 2020
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Chief Justice David Maraga, on Friday, February 28, awarded a controversial judge a new role, in an appointment made through the Kenya Gazette Vol. CXXII No. 40.

Maraga appointed Justice George Odunga to be the chairman of the Mediation Accreditation Committee.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 59 a of the Civil Procedure Act, I appoint Odunga to serve in the committee for a period of three (3) years, with immediate effect," notice number 1614 read.

Justice George Odunga at the High Court on December 18, 2019.
Justice George Odunga at the High Court on December 18, 2019.
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The committee oversees accreditation of individuals seeking to be mediators who assist two or more conflicting parties to manage, settle or resolve disputes or to form a future plan of action through mediation. 

Odunga has faced criticism in the past, especially in 2018, when he was accused of favouring the opposition side led by African Union envoy Raila Odinga in his landmark rulings. 

Maraga then transferred him from the Judicial Review Division in Nairobi to the High Court in Machakos as the presiding judge, to quell the fire.

Odunga was named the 2018 Kenyan jurist of the year by the International Commission of Jurists. 

According to ICJ, Odunga was picked for his exemplary work at the Judiciary, where he braved criticism, avoided distractions and remained steadfast in the discharge of his duties.

The CJ also appointed Lady Justice Linnet Ndolo, Irene Kashindi, Joyce K. Nyabuti, Grace Kanyiri, Anthony Kilonzo, Isaac Mbingi Okello, Oscar Eredi and Justice Daniel K. Musinga to be members of the Employment and Labour Relations Rules Committee, for a period of five years.

In other Gazette Notice, Education CS George Magoha re-appointed Martin Okiyo and Rosemary Saina to be members of the Kenya National Examinations Council Board, for a period of four years, with effect from March 8, 2020. 

Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha at KNEC Offices in Nairobi on December 18, 2019
Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha at KNEC Offices in Nairobi on December 18, 2019
Simon Kiragu
Kenyans.co.ke
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