Why law professor Makau Mutua and Ringera were locked out of CJ shortlist

Lack of clearance letters from government institutions meant outspoken law professor Makau Mutua was unable to make the Chief Justice shortlist.

Mutua has fiercely criticised the legitimacy of Uhuru Kenyatta as President and his administration.

According to sources at the Judicial Service Commission, Mutua's application was not accepted because it did lacked copies of clearance letters from the KRA, Helb and the DCI.

Applicants needed clearance certificates from KRA, Helb, the Law Society of Kenya, DCI, the Advocates Complaints Commission, the EACC and a recognised credit reference bureau.

In applicant Aaron Ringera's case, the Star also learnt the 2003 radical surgery that saw 23 judges disgraced cost the former anti-corruption commission chief a place on the shortlist.

"The commission felt he failed to conduct a fair process and as such he will not be able to inspire the institution and command the respect of judges and magistrates," the source said.

The panel said it was also concerned Ringera might not be committed. Ringera quit the judiciary twice, first as a High Court judge when he took up the solicitor general job and the second time when he left as appeal judge to take up job at the anti-graft post.

Source