During prehistoric period, disputes were settled by grey haired elders. For grey hair was a sign of wisdom. However, after advancement of formal education and law introduced. Then wisdom was replaced by knowledge in law hence even young becoming Judges.
So, in order to install confidence to elderly litigants, White wig was introduced to conceal the young maiden judges black hair in order to conform with decades held perception of grey as a sign of wisdom.
Well, when the Kenya’s first post 2010 Chief Justice and academician Dr Willy Mutunga took the helm of Judiciary on June 20, 2011, either by commission or omission dropped those wigs and robes, terming them colonial relics.
It remained so, until David Maraga assumed leadership of Judiciary in 2016 and the crimson red robes, matched with white wig that buried the CJ and the Deputy CJ’S ears to litigants bounced back hence restoring the original meaning and glory.