The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is investigating corruption in the Judiciary after receiving invitations from Chief Justice Martha Koome.
EACC Chairperson David Oginde stated that the Commission is probing the Judiciary, particularly three judicial service stations flagged for corruption by Kenyans. He added that the investigation includes petitions accusing several Supreme Court judges of corruption.
Oginde confirmed that the Commission is expanding the probe to the entire Judiciary.
“The Chief Justice herself, on her own initiative, approached the EACC to help her investigate the allegations brought against the Judiciary,” Oginde said.
“We are taking a broader look at the Judiciary as a whole. As you know, we do not publicize our work because when you say you are going to catch a thief, they will not wait for you there to catch them.”
He emphasized that the investigation includes allegations in petitions filed at the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), accusing Supreme Court judges of misconduct and corruption.
“We cannot afford to have people within the system who are undermining such an important aspect of our judicial system by taking bribes. I can assure you that our teams are on the ground,” he said.
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Process After Investigations
Once completed, the EACC will submit the findings to the JSC for judges and magistrates, and to the DPP for other judicial staff.
“The law is very clear on how judges are dealt with. Where there are individuals who are culpable, they will be referred to the JSC for a tribunal to be set up, especially for judges. Where the individuals are not magistrates or judges, they will be taken straight to answer the cases,” Oginde said.
He spoke during the launch of the National Integrity Academy strategic plan by the EACC, which aims to train state officers to fight corruption and promote integrity.
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Koome Writes to EACC
Oginde’s statement follows a request by Koome asking the EACC to investigate three judicial service stations accused of corruption.
The CJ wrote to the EACC and other investigative agencies to probe reports that some judicial officers are taking bribes. She also notified the National Intelligence Service (NIS), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Inspector General of Police.
Speaking during the same event, Deputy IG Eliud Lagat of the Kenya Police said, “As the police, we are committed to not only being on the receiving end but also leading the fight against corruption.”
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