Tuesday's shock arrest of Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu could pave way for secret but vicious succession battles within the judiciary, lawyer Wilkins Ochoki says.
With Chief Justice David Maraga expected to retire in 2021 assuming that external factors keep at bay, the arrest of his deputy may yet again give room for lobbying.
As Nyamira senator Okong'o Mogeni takes battle to court in defense of the embattled DCJ, her survival could be limited owing to the nature of criminal charges facing her.
"I think this is the end of the road for her. She may decide to resign and deal with the case as an ordinary person.
"Alternatively, she can fight from the tribunal but all in all, this paves way for Maraga succession," said Ochoki.
Should Mwilu fail to succeed, the position, which is literally assumed to be a preserve for women, Lady Justice Njoki Ndung'u could be the clear favourite.
So close to the establishment of at all presidential petitions is anything to go by, Ochoki adds, Ndung'u could then be in pole position to succeed Maraga.
Former Attorney General Githu Muigai, who resigned under unclear circumstances, owing to his long experience in legal field, could yet again be sourced from outside judiciary corridors to take over.
From within Supreme Court, he adds, Smoking Wanjala, Jackton Ojwang and Isaac Lenaola are also clear favourites.
But the criminal lawyer insists that Lenaola, could be a man to beat given his eloquence, experience and previous judgements.
Ordinarily, a DCJ stands a good chance to take over from the boss.
#hivisasaoriginal