Chief Magistrate Diana Mochache was left in awe after learning about her promotion to the High Court while presiding over an ongoing session at Kahawa Law Courts.
In the video shared widely on Friday, December 2, the magistrate was notified of her promotion after one of the lawyers referred to her as Lady Justice.
She then inquired about the changes and was overwhelmed with emotions while expressing delight over landing the new role.
"We do not know whether we can be calling you the judge in waiting or designate," an advocate raised a concern.
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"You better use the appropriate title, and I do not want to hear you people saying it. Oh my God! You shouldn't have told me," she said while raising her hand and trying to prevent tears from forming in her eyes.
Despite being informed of her nomination, she still did not believe she had been promoted, even asking where the information came from.
A court assistant was filmed approaching her with a phone to show the news of her promotion.
Lawyers and court officials then rose on their feet to celebrate the magistrate, who was lost for words. A section of Kenyans also joined in celebrating the judge as the video went viral on social media platforms.
"Priceless reaction by Hon. Diana Mochache (Lady Justice designate) on receiving the news of her nomination to the High Court. Truly a well deserved appointment. Great stuff." Public prosecutor Duncan Ondimu stated.
"Well done. Well deserved. This one is headed for the top," Digital strategist Dennis Itumbi echoed.
On their part, Counter Terrorism Policing Kenya praised the judge for her role in hearing cases on terrorism.
"She has been nominated for appointment as High Court Judge for her professionalism & diligence especially in supporting the war on terror by jailing terrorists," read the statement in part.
Mochache was promoted to the position of Chief Magistrate in 2020 after successfully applying for the job then. Notably, she is the judge hearing the case involving arrested officers of the defunct Special Service Unit (SSU).
