Chief Justice Maraga named one of 100 most influential Africans

Chief Justice David Maraga and TV host Julie Gichuru are among the top 100 most influential Africans, The New African Magazine has revealed.

The New African Magazine announced its top 100 most influential Africans of 2017 and Kenya has taken at least 10 slots, with a representation in most of the listed categories.

CJ Maraga, who made a landmark ruling in September by nullifying the August 8 presidential election has been featured as the 6^th most influential person in Politics and Public Service after the King of Morocco Mohammed VI.

Also in the list is former Citizen TV anchor Julie Gichuru who has been ranked as the 4^th most influential person in the media industry, following her series of public speaking.

Under Civil Society and Activism, Patrick ‘PLO’ Lumumba has been described as a defense lawyer and an anti-corruption champ, he comes second in the category after Haben Girma who is a deaf-blind Harvard Law graduate and disability rights activist based in Eritrea, Ethiopia and US.

Ijara MP Sophia Abdi Noor is the 8^th most influential politician in Africa. Noor is also the first woman from North Eastern to be elected to Parliament.

Others from Kenya in the list include; Nutritionist, Africa Food Prize Winner Prof. Ruth Oniang’o, MD and CEO of Centum Investments James Mworia, co-founder of Med in Africa Yvonne Mburu, the 5000m World Champion Elijah Manangoi, the new 1500 meters sensation to watch Hellen Obiri  and double champion with big dreams Faith Kipyegon.

“Our criteria for “influential” this year was a fairly simple one – it is applied to people whose work or activity has had some sort of transformative effect outside their main calling. This effect results in a change of perception or provides inspiration to others. Many in our selection have shattered the proverbial glass-ceilings or disability stigma and do so with great bravery, determination and personal sacrifice. Others yield economic power that impacts world markets,”explained the magazine’s Editor.