Chief Justice Willy Mutunga has retired from his coveted position, making the entire judiciary and the law fraternity so aggressive for the seat, lobbying for it as if there is not tomorrow. But their struggle is understood, the salary and privileges that come with the position can tempt even the pope.
According to Salaries and Renumeration Commission, the basic salary of the Chief Justice is Ksh 1,380,351.This amount is exclusive of allowances and other benefits. In addition to the salary, Mutunga used to earn at least Ksh50, 000 per sitting in the Judicial Service Commission. He also earned from foreign trips, house allowances, fuel allowance and other benefits not in public domain.
Looking at the salaries of Kenyan Government officials, Mutunga comes fourth after the President, Deputy President and The Speaker of the National Assembly.
And if you didn’t know, the Chief Justice is the fourth powerful person in Kenya. Implying that if the President, DP and Speaker of The National Assembly are not in the country, he acts as the President.
Finally, the most crucial role the Chief Justice plays is to chair Supreme Court sessions. His role is so sensitive that if for instance there is a Presidential petition, he must preside over it and sometimes influence the decision.
