Is the Deputy Chief Justice (DCJ) position a curse on Kenyan women? Former Kakamega Senator Dr Bonny Khalwale has posed.
Khalwale’s thoughts came amid Tuesday’s arrest of DCJ Philomena Mwilu over alleged graft and abuse of office.
Mwilu according to the DPP Noordin Haji, has engaged in activities tantamount to abuse of office.
“The evidence reveals that Mwilu abused her office for personal gain, accepted a gift in terms of money undermining the integrity of the judicial system and the unlawful failure to pay taxes," he told journalist at a presser minutes after Mwilu’s arrest.
Khalwale said that in light of the allegations, “Philomena Mwilu won’t survive.”
He further stated that former DCJ Kalpana Rawal and Nancy Baraza had to leave office unceremoniously which begs the question if the DCJ position for women is cursed.
“Her predecessor Kalpana Rawal was last heard of wailing in court. And alas, for the mere messaging of Kerubo’s nose the spell didn’t spare Nancy Barasa either! Is Deputy Chief Justice a curse for Kenyan women?" averred Khalwale.
Rawal was forced to retire two years ago even after putting up a brave fight in court. She was against a law which requires judges to retires at age 70.
She said that the old constitution allowed her to serve up to the age of 74.
Barraza, on the other hand, left unceremoniously in 2012 after she assaulted a guard, Rebecca Kerubo at Nairobi's Village Market.
She pinched her nose after the latter requested to search her handbag as is the protocol at the establishment. What followed was intense backlash from Kenyans forcing her to resign.