By Kwabe Victor
High Court Judge Justice Said Chitembwe. [COURTESY]
President
Uhuru Kenyatta has suspended High Court Justice Said Juma Chitembwe and
appointed a tribunal to probe allegations of gross misconduct.
In a gazette
notice dated May 18, the President appointed a 12-member team to inquire into
the allegations against the judge and determine his suitability.
Justice
Chitembwe’s suspension comes after the Judicial Service Commission (JSC)
recommended the President form a tribunal to probe the judge’s conduct in line
with the Constitution.
The President
notes that the JSC petition contains grave allegations against the judge and
that this could potentially erode Kenyans’ faith in the fair administration of
justice.
The statement
of the notice read, “Upon consideration of the petition of the Judicial Service
Commission, together with its annexures, His Excellency has suspended Justice
Chitembwe Judge of the High Court of Kenya, from office with immediate effect.”
Appointed is
the Lady Justice Mumbi Ngugi who will chair the tribunal, while the lead
counsel is Senior Counsel Kiragu Kimani assisted by Edward Omotii Nyang’au and
Joseph Gitonga Riungu.
Other tribunal
members are Justices Nzioki wa Makau, Abida Ali Aroni, Senior Counsel Fred
Ojiambo, Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Jackson W. Ndung’u, James Ochieng’ Oduol, and Dr Lydia
Nzomo.
Allegations
Laid Against Judge Said
A complaint
was filed by Mr Francis Wambua, claiming the judge had involved himself in
various acts of gross judicial misconduct, including discussing the merits of a
matter pending in court with third parties.
Another one
was filed by former governor Mike Sonko, accusing the judicial officer of
advising Mr Sonko that the judgment, which upheld his removal as the Nairobi
county boss, should be set aside because there was coercion, bribery, and fraud.
