Judges reflect on KMJA President Kuto ahead of December elections
“I cannot appraise myself. I leave it to my colleagues,” Kuto said.
In Summary
The elections come ahead of another contest for Judicial Service Commission (JSC) which is scheduled for May next year.
The current president Derrick Kuto is seeking a second term in office and some bill him as the man to beat.
KMJA current president Derrick Kuto
KMJA current president Derrick Kuto
The Judges and Magistrates Lobby group will be conducting its election in December this year.
The elections come ahead of another contest for Judicial Service Commission (JSC) which is scheduled for May next year.
The current president Derrick Kuto is seeking a second term in office and some bill him as the man to beat.
Kuto was elected for a two-year term in December 2021 and will be seeking re-election this coming December at a date yet to be announced.
The deadline for applications for those seeking election for President is Monday, September 18, 2023 and so far, none has expressed interest in the seat.
Is he set to get re-elected unopposed?
Some Judges and magistrates who spoke to the Star lauded Kuto as being outstanding in defending the interests of the Judges before powers that be.
Judges who spoke to the Star sought anonymity owing to the sensitivity of their work in the Judiciary.
“We are happy to have a courageous President. Even though we have not achieved all that we wanted when we go to the polls I shall re-elect him to serve us a bit more, ” said a high court Judge.
Another magistrate from Embu said that Kuto has never shied away from speaking on behalf of magistrates and Judges when called upon.
“The President has been vocal in agitating for our rights, he has always been on our side, sometimes at the expense of his career,” he added.
Kuto has been at the forefront of pushing for the issues of salaries and allowances to the feet of SRC.
At a time when some Judges feel their JSC representatives have not been bold in advocating for their interests, there is a push to have Kuto at such places to form their interests.
A court of Appeal Judge told the Star that it was his and other Judiciary officer’s wish that Kuto was in the JSC to fight for the members’ rights.
“We must think beyond KMJA. KUTO should be in JSC. He is committed to his assignment,” the Judge said.
He acknowledged Kuto’s effort to frequently communicate with members, and the courage to address the issues affecting members among other issues.
Another court of appeal Judge said that Kuto was the right voice of the KMJA.
“This young man just needs support from all of us. He is courageous, wise and strategic, key attributes of a leader.”
Several magistrates believe that Kuto has stood the test of leadership and did his job to the best of his ability.
Some believe his courage and openness to members have earned him some steps ahead of the elections.
“He has always communicated to us about his plans and the progress of our welfare, that is leadership,” said another leader.
We reached out to Kuto for his reflection on his tenure has been.
“My role as a president of the Judges Lobby group is to advocate for the interests of the judges,” he said.
“The push for SRC to increase our members’ remuneration is the only song. We are all anxious. The less I say on this subject, the better!”
He says the journey as President has had its fair share of ups and downs but as a lobby group, there is lots to celebrate about.
On pointing out whether he has achieved his mandate or not, Kuto said:
“I cannot appraise myself. I leave it to my colleagues. I hope to do my best to represent them.”
