High Court Judge Pauline Nyamweya on Monday surprised the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) panel after she made an unprecedented move during the Deputy Chief Justice interview.
Ms Nyamweya pulled out from the race stating that she was giving other contestants space to clinch the position.
In an application to the JSC, Justice Nyamweya noted that she would not undergo the interview as her senior David Maraga, who hails from the same community as herself, had already been selected for the Chief Justice job.
Judge Nyamweya indicated that because of her ethnicity, it was clear she would be at a disadvantage to get the Deputy CJ’s post as per the constitution.
“If I were successful in my application, it may bring a contradiction. I have thought it prudent to withdraw my application,” Ms Nyamweya told JSC.
JSC led by Prof Margaret Kobia accepted the judge’s application and thanked her for the decision.
Nyamweya’s sentiments come at a time when there have been heated debate over tribal biases in the issuance of government jobs.
The contention escalated, even more, after Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago and other leaders from the Kalenjin Community stormed the Moi University demanding the ouster of the newly appointed Vice Chancellor on the basis of his ethnic background.
According to the leaders, the newly appointed VC, Prof. Laban Ayiro – who is a Luhya – did not deserve the position since he was an ‘outsider’.
