Magistrate Olwande sworn in as Commissioner

Magistrate Olwande sworn in as CommissionernnLimuru Chief Magistrate Everlyne Olwande has been sworn in as a Judicial Service Commission member replacing Emily Ominde who left the Commission having served for two terms from 2011.nnAg. Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu who presided over the ceremony at the Supreme Court welcomed Commissioner Olwande to the Commission and called on her to be steadfast in her service to the Judiciary and to the people of Kenya.nn“I pray that you do not encounter roadblocks in the execution of your duties,” Mwilu said.nnShe added: “You are joining a team of rigid professionals and therefore you will need to engage your persuasive and teamwork gear because you cannot succeed alone.”nnShe explained that as much as the role of recruiting a new Chief Justice and Supreme Court judge are important, it is just a normal duty to the Commission just like the others.nnShe urged Commissioner Olwande to ensure she works towards attaining the independence of the Judiciary, and serve the best interests of Kenyans.nnJSC vice chairman Commissioner Dr Mercy Deche termed Commissioner Olwande as a person of great content and welcomed her to the Commission saying she is joining the Commission at a critical time when they are looking forward to recruiting a Chief Justice and a Supreme Court Judge.nnShe urged Hon Olwande to play her role in the process reminding her that her work is cut out and that although the Commission works on part time basis, it requires full time commitment.nnAttorney General Kihara Kariuki who is also a JSC Commissioner said the JSC is at a critical time having embarked on the recruitment of a Chief Justice and a Supreme Court judge. He urged Commissioner Olwande to abide by her oath of office in execution of her duties.nn“Don’t be fearful and never have self-interests, be strong. Let your tenure distinguish you with integrity as you act in the best interest of Kenyans,” Kariuki said.nnThe AG assured that the Executive will continue working closely with the Judiciary to ensure a close interdependence continues to exist.nnOn her part, Hon Olwande said she is committed to ensuring that Judiciary is strong and independent and thanked fellow magistrates for having trust in her and electing her to represent them. She said she will endeavor to ensure that issues of remuneration, career progression, security and mental health and welfare among judicial officers are taken care of.nn“I will work to ensure that the Judiciary relates well with other arms of the government in a fruitful interdependence,” Olwande said.nn She added: “I urge my fellow commissioners to maintain integrity in discharge of duty and promise to put my best foot forward in the discharge of my duties and thank my predecessor for doing a commendable job.”nnThe oath was administered by Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Anne Amadi.nn nn nnThe Profile of Hon Commissioner Ms Everlyne Sylvia Achieng OlwandennHon. Everlyne S. A. Olwande, 48, is an advocate of the High Court, having been admitted to the Roll of Advocates in 2001.nnOlwande whose judicial experience spans 16 years, joined the judicial service in 2005 as a Senior Resident Magistrate. She has risen through the ranks to become a Chief Magistrate. Hon Olwande served in various stations including Kisii, Bondo, Butere, Milimani, Makadara and Limuru, where she is currently the Head of Station.nnShe holds a Bachelors of Law degree from South Gujarat University and a Postgraduate Diploma from Kenya School of Law.nnCommissioner Olwande joins the Judicial Service as a representative of the Magistrates, having been elected by the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA), pursuant to Article 171 (2) (d) of the Constitution.nnEnds/… nn nn nn nn