JSC Postpones Interviews Of Judges To Mourn General Francis Ogolla And 9 KDF Officers

• The Judicial Service Commission has halted interviews of High Court of Kenya judges in honour of Francis Ogolla, nine other fallen soldiers
• The commission's decision was informed by President William Ruto's three days of national mourning declaration
• Chief Justice Martha Koome eulogised Ogolla as an excellent soldier, saying their families knew each other for three decades

Michael Ollinga is a journalist at TUKO.co.ke with over 10 years of experience covering courts and crimes, special reports, and current affairs in Kenya.

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has postponed the interviews of High Court of Kenya judges in honour of Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla and nine other Kenya Defence Forces officers.

Francis Ogolla dies in a helicopter crash

The 10 died in a helicopter crash at the border of West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.

The JSC stated that it would not have sessions on Friday, April 19, in observance of the national mourning days.

TUKO.co.ke understands that the interviews that began on Wednesday, April 3, will continue until Tuesday, April 30.

President William Ruto declared three days of national mourning in honour of the fallen soldiers, beginning Friday, April 19, to Sunday, April 22.

Why JSC paused interviews of judges

The interviews for the judges will continue on Monday, April 22, according to JSC.

"In observing the three-day mourning period declared by His Excellency the President, and in solidarity with the people of Kenya as we mourn the great losses of the Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla and nine other officers;

"The Judicial Service Commission has postponed the interviews for the Office of Judge of the High Court scheduled for Friday, April 19, 2024. The interviews will resume on Monday, April 22," read JSC's statement.

The commission advertised 20 vacancies for judges of the High Court of Kenya on October 13, 2024.

For accountability and transparency, the commission was streaming the interviews live on Facebook and YouTube.

How many candidates applied for High Court judge jobs?

Upon closing the advertisement, the JSC received 305 applications and shortlisted 100 candidates.

By Wednesday, April 17, the commission had interviewed 47 candidates. Another 51 shortlisted candidates have yet to be interviewed.

Meanwhile, the Chief Justice, Martha Koome, in a message of condolence, eulogised the late General Ogolla, describing him as a gallant soldier and a great family man.

“I wish to convey heartfelt condolences on my own behalf, on behalf of the Judicial Service Commission and the Judiciary fraternity, to the military family, relatives, friends, and the entire nation of Kenya at this difficult time.

"Our prayers and wishes of full recovery also go to the two injured Officers who survived the tragic air crash," Koome stated.

Martha Koome's ties with Francis Ogolla

Koome disclosed that her family and Ogolla's family had known each other for three decades, adding that they fellowshipped in the same church.

“I have known Gen. Ogolla and his family for over 30 years. He was a fellow member of the Methodist church, where he and his family worshipped. His commitment to duty and selfless service to our country exemplified the highest ideals of leadership. He's earned a decorated career, marked by exceptional humility and adherence to the ethos of patriotism and nationhood, inspiring all to excel in service to the public,” she added.

The CJ described Ogolla as a firm leader with an endearing spirit of family that exemplified the values of justice and human dignity.

She lauded the late general, saying that the KDF was prospering under his leadership.

“Under his guidance, the Kenya Defence Forces have undoubtedly prospered, and their courageous efforts to secure our country felt within and beyond our borders," Koome said.

Koome also condoled with the families of the nine officers who lost their lives alongside General Ogolla, describing them as heroes.

“I wish to convey heartfelt condolences on my own behalf, on behalf of the Judicial Service Commission and the Judiciary fraternity, to the military family, relatives, friends, and the entire nation of Kenya at this difficult time," she said.

Francis Ogolla's burial

• The family of the late Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla confirmed that he would be buried on Sunday, April 21.
• His burial day happens to be the day that he was set to preside over the opening of a church that he helped build in his Siaya home.
• Francis Ogolla's family said that the General's wish was that he be buried within 72 hours of his death.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

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The late CDF Francis Ogolla and Chief Justice Martha Koome

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