Senior Director in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Alexander Muteti, has refuted claims of alcoholism, denouncing a memorandum alleging such accusations as malicious.
Muteti, currently under consideration for a High Court judgeship, rebuffed the allegations during his appearance before an 11-member panel tasked with recruiting High Court judges on Wednesday, April 3.
Muteti, who has headed the Judicial Review and Constitutional Petitions at the ODPP, was addressing the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), chaired by Chief Justice Martha Koome, asserting that he had ceased alcohol consumption long ago.
"I used to take alcohol but I am surprised my ground friend (the petitioner) believes I stopped taking alcohol a year ago," Muteti stated before the panel.
He further defended himself by pointing out the petitioner's own consumption habits, stating, "He (the petitioner) himself takes alcohol as a matter of public record."
Additionally, Muteti implored the JSC to safeguard him against discrimination based on his official duties, highlighting the contentious nature of ODPP decisions which often provoke the ire of accused individuals. "ODPP decisions cause pain. If we pursue this route, we may never hire prosecutors," Muteti expressed.
Muteti was one of six candidates scheduled to appear before the JSC on Wednesday as the Commission initiated interviews to appoint twenty additional High Court judges. Other candidates included Chief Magistrates Alex Ithuku and Alfred Gethi, as well as lawyers Adelaide Amimo, Agnes Njoroge, and Chepng'etich Soi.
The JSC outlined a rigorous 7-point selection criteria as interviews to recruit High Court judges commenced. Among the key attributes the 11-member panel will scrutinize while assessing the 100 shortlisted candidates include professional competence, communication skills, integrity, fairness, good judgment, and legal experience.
Moreover, the panel will evaluate candidates' dedication to public and community service, particularly their efforts to enhance access to justice. In a circulated note, the JSC emphasized that candidates must demonstrate a profound understanding of substantive and procedural law, intellectual capacity, legal judgment, and diligence.
Muteti's denial of alcoholism amidst his bid for a High Court judgeship underscores the intensity of the selection process and the significance of candidates' personal and professional conduct. As the interviews progress, the JSC remains steadfast in its commitment to appointing qualified and impartial justices to serve on the High Court bench.
