Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association Ushers in New Leadership Team as Justice Mulwa Takes Over as President
In a significant development for Kenya's judicial community, the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA) has elected a new leadership team during its Annual General Conference held at the Argyle Grand Hotel in Nairobi. High Court Judge Peter Mulwa was elected unopposed as the new President, succeeding Justice Stephen Radido whose two-year term has concluded. Justice Mulwa took the Oath of Office, marking the beginning of his tenure at the helm of the association that represents the interests of judges and magistrates across the country.
The election, which saw judges and magistrates casting their votes, resulted in a comprehensive refresh of the KMJA's executive council. The new officials include six fresh faces in key positions, along with one reelected representative to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). KMJA officials serve for a two-year term, which is renewable once, while the JSC Commissioner holds office for a five-year term, also renewable once.
The full lineup of the new leadership team is as follows:
- President: Hon. Mr. Justice Peter Mulwa
- Vice President: Hon. Rhoda Yator
- Secretary General: Hon. Tom Mark Olando
- Vice Secretary General: Hon. Hassan Omar Daffa
- Treasurer: Hon. Kiongo Kagenyo
- Vice Treasurer: Hon. Dennis Kioko
- Female Representative to JSC: Hon. Everlyne Olwande (reelected)
Chief Magistrate Everlyne Olwande's reelection as the KMJA representative to the JSC ensures continuity in advocating for judicial matters at the commission level.
Justice Mulwa, a seasoned High Court Judge, brings extensive experience to the role. He holds a Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Nairobi, a Bachelor of Laws degree from the same institution, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law. Admitted to the Bar in 1998, he has previously served as Registrar of Subordinate Courts and as a magistrate in various stations nationwide. His unopposed election reflects strong consensus among members on his capability to lead the association forward.
Outgoing President Justice Stephen Radido, who was elected on December 16, 2023, and served for two years, addressed the conference with a call for the new council to prioritize integrity, commitment, and teamwork. He emphasized that campaign promises must now evolve into tangible collective actions, highlighting the need for sacrifice, transparency, and collaboration in leadership. Justice Radido's tenure focused on enhancing service delivery and welfare for judicial officers, setting a foundation for the incoming team.
Chief Justice Martha Koome, represented by Justice Samson Okong’o Emeritus, delivered a keynote message at the conference's opening, urging judges and magistrates to uphold unity, justice, and human dignity in their work. She praised KMJA as a crucial pillar of the Judiciary and encouraged ongoing unity and dedication among all judicial officers.
This leadership transition comes at a pivotal time for Kenya's Judiciary, amid ongoing discussions on judicial independence, workload management, and reforms to improve access to justice. The new team is expected to build on previous efforts, including capacity-building programs, advocacy for better working conditions, and collaboration with stakeholders like the Judicial Service Commission.
The KMJA, originally registered as the Kenya Magistrates Association in 1972 and expanded to include judges in 2000, plays a vital role in the Judiciary. It elects representatives to the JSC and engages in strategic dialogues on issues such as mobile courts and rapid response initiatives for remote areas. All magistrates automatically become members upon appointment, while judges pay an annual fee, with efforts underway to make their membership automatic as well.
As the new leadership assumes office, the focus will be on addressing challenges like case backlogs, resource constraints, and maintaining the integrity of the judicial system. The smooth handover signals a commitment to stability and progress within the association.