Chief Justice Willy Mutunga has appointed Justice Hedwig Ong’undi as the Presiding Judge of the newly established Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division of the High Court.
Lady Justice Lydia Achode will deputise Justice Ong’undi in that role.
The Chief Justice, in announcement made on Tuesday also appointed 10 additional magistrates to Anti-Corruption Courts, bringing the total to 13 in a move he said will strengthen the capacity of courts in fighting graft.
“This move aimed at strengthening the capacity of anti-corruption courts to deal effectively and efficiently with increased workload,” he said.
The new magistrates appointed to the Anti-Corruption Courts are: Lucas Onyina; Litizia Wachira; Martha Mutuku; Liz Gicheha; Godfrey Oduor; Rose Makungu; Hon Jared Magori; Anne Mwangi; Peter Ooko and Florence Macharia.”
Mutunga directed the court to focus on the Section 4(4) of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act which provides for non-stop hearing of cases until determination.
“The new team has already undergone special training at the Judiciary Training Institute for effective management of anti-corruption court processes and will take up their new duties next month,” he said through a statement sent to newsrooms.
“My appeal to the public and media is to pay sustained attention to the performance of all agencies involved in the fight against corruption in Kenya.”
He pointed out that: “It is only through informed vigilance and evaluation of each actor’s role that we shall promote efficiency, accountability and, ultimately, real and expeditious justice in Kenya.”
The CJ gazetted the establishment of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division of the High Court in Nairobi on 11th December 2015.
