Former Chief Justice Bernard Chunga turns down DPP Noordin Haji job offer

Former Chief Justice Bernard Chunga has turned down an appointment handed to him by Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji.

In a letter addressed to the DPP, Justice Chunga outlined that he is currently engaged in other matters that will not allow him to take up the position.

"Many thanks for appointing me as the Chairman of the Task Force for the Operationalization of Inspection Unit as per official Government gazette last week.

Former Chief Justice Bernard Chunga declines Chairman of the Task Force for the Operationalization of Inspection Unit appointment from DPP Noordin Haji Pulse Live Kenya

"However, due to other pressing commitments I have undertaken elsewhere, I regret to advise that I will not be able to undertake the appointment," the letter read in part.

Chunga appointment rekindled bad memories - lawyer Cleophas Letting

The letter was received at the DPP's office on Monday just as a group of lawyers moved to court in a bid to block the appointment.

"His appointment has rekindled bad memories of his victims who suffered under his watch while serving as deputy public prosecutor and CJ. It is like an insult to Kenyans to have a person who has been mentioned as a key player in human rights abuses to be in public service," lawyer Cleophas Letting stated.

The former CJ has been accused of propagating violation of human rights and is seen as having played a role in allowing detention without trial to prevail during the Nyayo era.

Former Chief Justice Bernard Chunga declines Chairman of the Task Force for the Operationalization of Inspection Unit appointment from DPP Noordin Haji Pulse Live Kenya

It is expected that Vice Chairperson Rita Wambui Kuria might take up leadership of the task force should the DPP opt not to appoint a substitute for the retired judge.

The seven-member team has been mandated with the task of coming up with guidelines on the establishment and running of the ODPP Inspectorate Unit.