40 years in the making: Justice Sichale sworn in as Court of Appeal representative to JSC

Lady Justice Fatuma Sichale was on Monday sworn in as the Court of Appeal representative to the Judicial Service Commission.

She thanked her fellow Appellate Court Judges for voting her into JSC, as she vowed to be diligent in her service.

"I will work hard and be of service to all irrespective of rank and status," she said.

During the event on Monday at the Supreme Court, Sichale acknowledged the milestone that has taken four decades in the making.

This is since her appointment as a District Magistrate 2, 40 years ago.

"Some 40 years ago, I was in this same premises interviewing for the position of a District Magistrate 2. I was successful and was appointed. That was a significant event in my life then," she said.

"To be sworn in today as a JSC member representing the Court of Appeal is almost at the pinnacle of one's career as a judicial officer."

She noted the difference in the two events that have played a major role in the making of her career, being a District Magistrate 2 and a JSC representative member.

"Suffice to state that between the two there have been 40 years," the Lady Justice added.

Welcoming her to the Commission, Chief Justice Martha Koome expressed hope that her perspective will help in achieving the judicial strategic objectives identified in the five-year plan.

This is including the overall objective of putting in place a people-centred justice system in Kenya.

"The oath which you have taken today should guide you in your day-to-day work. According to the oath, you must never depart from the law," the CJ told Sichale.

"In addition, the oath equally requires you to serve this country to the best of your abilities and bearing in mind the enormous responsibilities placed upon you".

At the same time, she thanked the outgoing Court of Appeal representative to the JSC, Justice Mohammed Warsame.

She described him as a hard-working and dedicated judge.

Warsame served in the Commission for two years.

"During this consequential ten-year period, he has been a central player in the major transformative milestones witnessed in the JSC and the Judiciary over this period, for which we thank him," Koome said.