Kisii based Prof Nyachieo Bogonko believes outgoing Chief Justice Willy Mutunga underperformed contrary to expectations of many when he was assuming office under the new constitution.
Mr Mutunga is expected to retire in two weeks’ time with one year left in his constitutional tenure and it’s not known why he decided to go for an early retirement.
In his exclusive interview with the reporter on Sunday, Bogonko questioned reforms in the judiciary citing corruption as the major obstacle to the delivery of fair justice.
“My student Mutunga didn’t perform well in his role as Kenya’s CJ because fundamental reforms never took place in the corridors of justice. Despite his assurance, justice delivery was as slow as always,” he said.
“We expected him to crack a whip on corrupt judges and other corruption-related deals in the judiciary but he was a bit slow in acting. Judiciary has been marred with corruption claims even at his Supreme Court. He hasn’t left behind a legacy worth to tell,” Bogonko added.
He challenged the Judicial Service Commission to go for the best applicant of the position and warned against external interferences.
“I am not saying Mutunga didn’t do his best, he tried but not to the expectations. The JSC must give Kenyans a credible CJ who can pick from Mutunga without being interfered by dark forces. We want someone who can inspire quick delivery of justice,” he said.