After the court of appeal ruled that judges above the age of 70 years should retire in accordance with the new constitution, lawyer Nickson Sifuna has applauded the move saying retiring at age 74 would not make a difference in one’s career.
Sifuna said having been in practice for the longest previous years the judges had the time to perform in all their duties saying they ought to retire honorably at the age of seventy.
“As a lawyer if I find out that a judge who is over seventy years is presiding over a case am handling I would definatelty raise an objection since it is against the constitution as his age would have surpassed the requirement of the constitution” he said
His sentiments were echoed by Sikhendu ward MCA Andrew Kutitila during the burial of the late Josephine Kabaka at Wabukhonyi who said judges clinging to their positions are doing a disservice to young people in the society saying since they are vibrant and energetic enough to take up the positions.
He said parents are struggling to take their children through law school and becoming advocates saying they are also ambitious to take up positions as judges saying those above the age of seventy should honorably retire to pave way for young Turks.
Speaking during a football tournament he sponsored in Tongaren sub county Lawyer Sifuna further differed with the education cabinet secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i over the suspension of midterm holidays as well as prayer days in third term to prevent cheating in national exams saying the move is not well informed.
He asserted that the Cabinet secretary ought to have consulted the relevant stakeholders in the sector who include teachers, students and parents so as to have an amicable solution to the problem saying his rushed decision may end up causing strikes in schools.
He added that the issue of examination leakages emanates from the examinations council and it needs to be strictly addressed from the source saying the education sector needs much consultation before some vital decisions are made.
He further urged the Bungoma County government as well as the national government to set aside funds of nurturing talents among the youths in athletics and sports saying it is a venture that can also help spur the economy of the county.
Professor Sifuna said Eldoret town has been able to develop from the vibrant athletes who have able to invest from their earnings saying Bungoma county can also be able to tap and nurture talents among the youths in their different fields.
