Kenyan judges change titles, dress code

Monitor Correspondent
Nairobi

Kenyan judges will no longer be referred to as “my lord” or “my lady” and wigs will be discarded with immediate effect, Chief Justice Willy Mutunga has said.
In a memo to judges and magistrates, justice Mutunga said all judicial officers and Kadhis will instead be addressed as “Your honour or Mheshimiwa” and that the salutation must be communicated to lawyers and the public.

In the memo dated August 23, he said judges can either keep the wigs as souvenirs or hand them over to the Chief Registrar. “No head gear of any type will be worn except by the Kadhis,” said Mr Mutunga, adding that there will be a ceremonial and functional robe for each court.

Justice Mutunga also said magistrates will through their association, deliberate on whether or not to wear robes and that each court will determine the dress code of advocates appearing before it. “I want to bring to your attention the decisions arrived at by consensus at the just concluded Judges Colloquium also attended by the Judicial Service Commission. You will note that some of these decisions take effect immediately,” he said.

During the colloquium, many judges were for the retention of their dress code but wanted the wig done away with or made optional. They all seemed to agree that there is need for modification of their robes to a lighter one. “We should retain the dress code with appropriate modification,” Lady Justice Ruth Sitati said.

Lady Justice Maureen Odero said the current dress code can be uncomfortable in areas such as Mombasa where the heat is unbearable. The judges said the robes bring a sense of dignity and respect to courts. Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza who said many Kenyans say robes instill fear in the courts.

Also proposed was whether each of the three levels of the courts, Supreme, Court of Appeal and High Court judges would have different dressing code but there was need for widespread consultation before any decision is made.