BY SAM ALFAN.
Limuru Chief Magistrate Everlyne Olwande has been sworn in as commissioner of the Judicial Service Commission Commissioner.
Olwande took oath offfice in a ceremony at the Supreme Court Wednesday afternoon.
She was elected to represent magistrates in the commission, after the hotly contested election in November.
Commissioner Olwande flawed her competitors Stella Atambo, Florence Macharia, Dolphina Alego and Teresia Nyangena to represent the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association in the JSC in hotly contested election.
Commissioner Olwande garnered 100 votes out of 295 casted votes. Her competitors Florence Macharia was second with 84 votes followed by Stella Atambo who got 83 while Dolphina Alego and Therresah Nyangena managed one vote each.
Earlier Olwande served as Kenya Judges and Magistrates Association(KMJA) Vice President alongside the association’s President Justice Jacqueline Kamau and Secretary General Derrick Kuto who attended her swearing in today.
The event was presided over by the acting chief Justice Philiomina Mwilu and attended other JSC commissioners.
Olwande who has 16 year experience as a judicial service replaced Emily Ominde after serving for two terms from 2011.
Olwande joined judiciary in the year 2005 as a Senior Resident Magistrate and has risen through the ranks to become a Chief Magistrate.
She served in various stations including Kisii, Bondo, Butere, Milimani, Makadara and Limuru, where she is currently the Head of Station.
She holds a Bachelors of Law degree from South Gujarat University and a Postgraduate Diploma from Kenya School of Law.
In her speech after she was sworn in, acting Chief Justice Mwilu called on her to be steadfast in her service to the Judiciary and the people of Kenya.
“I pray that you do not encounter roadblocks in the execution of your duties. You are joining a team of rigid professionals and therefore you will need to engage your persuasive and teamwork gear because you cannot succeed alone,” said Mwilu.
She said in as much as the role of recruiting a new Chief Justice and Supreme Court judge are important, it is just a normal duty to the Commission just like the others.
She urged Olwande to ensure she works towards attaining the independence of the Judiciary, and serve the best interests of Kenyans.
JSC vice chairman Commissioner Dr Mercy Deche termed Commissioner Olwande as a person of great content.
She said she was joining the Commission at a critical time when they are looking forward to recruit a Chief Justice and a Supreme Court Judge.
She said Olwande’s work is cut out and that although the Commission works on part time basis, it requires full time commitment.
Attorney General Kihara Kariuki said the JSC is at a critical time having embarked on the recruitment of a Chief Justice and a Supreme Court judge.
“Don’t be fearful and never have self-interests, be strong. Let your tenure distinguish you with integrity as you act in the best interest of Kenyans,” Kariuki said.
Commissioner Olwande said she is committed to ensuring that Judiciary is strong and independent and thanked fellow magistrates for having trust in her and electing her to represent them.
She added that she will endeavor to ensure that issues of remuneration, career progression, security and mental health and welfare among judicial officers are taken care of.
“I will work to ensure that the Judiciary relates well with other arms of the government in a fruitful interdependence and i urge my fellow commissioners to maintain integrity in discharge of duty and promise to put my best foot forward in the discharge of my duties and thank my predecessor for doing a commendable job.”
The oath was administered by Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Anne Amadi.
