Photo Of Former Chief Justice Languishing in the Cold After Rejecting Top Govt Job

Former Chief Justice Bernard Chunga, who in 2019 rejected top government job from the then Director of Public Prosecutions, Noordin Haji PHOTO| FACEBOOK

At the height of former President Daniel Arap Moi's KANU regime, Bernard Chunga was one of the most powerful figures in his government.

Chunga became infamous for his alleged role in silencing the voices of change when he served as the Director of Public Prosecutions.

As the country was ushering in the new millennium, Chunga was appointed as the Chief Justice by President Moi.

It was Chunga who presided over regime change in the country in 2002 as Moi peacefully handed over power to Mwai Kibaki.

But in 2003, just months after Kibaki took over power, Chunga was suspended and a tribunal formed to investigate his conduct.

But rather than suffer humiliation, the former Chief Justice opted to resign from office. It marked the end of an era for the then 55-year old lawyer. He was succeeded by Evan Gicheru.

In 2019, Chunga pulled a surprise when he declined to take up the role of the chairman of the inspectorate arm at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, citing personal issues.

The former CJ was appointed to the position by the then DPP Noordin Haji, who is now the Director General, National Intelligence Service.

Somehow, Chunga's past records came to haunt him as lawyers ganged up against him and openly opposed his appointment.

Somehow, his decision to decline the top government job took many Kenyans by surprise.