CJ Interviews: Alice Yano’s Performance Triggers Online Jokes

On a number of occasions, she paused after being asked hard questions and had to seek for more time to confirm the answers. 

Her responses prompted a discussion on social media platforms, with most coming up with memes to light up the conversation. 

“These JSC Commissioners shortlisted Alice Yano to embarrass her in the interviews. She’s really struggling it’s an eyesore. The Alliance guy even had to remind her that the answers she’s looking for are in the constitution,” Nation columnist Gabriel Oguda stated.

“Counsel Alice Yano is struggling. She’ll leave that hot seat with a banging headache. Interviews are not a joke, especially when you are inadequately prepared for them,” Phannie Kwegah weighed in.

Asked how she would ensure that President Uhuru Kenyatta swears in the 41 judges that were fronted by retired Chief Justice David Maraga, Yano made a joke saying that she would contact First Lady Margaret Kenyatta to ascertain the President’s moods.

“I would meet with the commissioners, come up with a solution then go and meet the appointing authority. 

“If we have a lady Chief Justice like for me, I think I would contact Mama Margaret Kenyatta and ask her to invite me for a cup of tea so that I get to know the moods of Mzee,” she stated, adding that she was joking.

Yano was the last candidate to be interviewed since the process began on April 12, 2021.

So far, the candidates interviewed include; Justice Said Juma Chitembwe, Prof. Patricia Mbote, Lady Justice Martha Koome, Justice Marete Njagi, lawyer Philip Murgor, Lawyer Fredrick Ngatia, Justice Matthews Nduma,  Justice William Ouko and Prof. Moni Wekesa.

The 53-year-old is the youngest amongst all applicants and she is the senior partner and proprietor of Yano and Company Advocates.

Despite her age, Yano exudes confidence that she is cut out to lead Kenya’s court system.

“I may be young in terms of application but not young in experience, as a firstborn in a family of 25 children in Nakuru, I became a leader at a tender age,†she stated.

The JSC has seven days from the end of the current interviews to pick a nominee whose name will be submitted to President Uhuru Kenyatta for appointment. 

Justice Chitembwe Said Juma appearing before the JSC for his interview for the position of Chief Justice on Monday, April 12, 2021

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