President William Ruto has suspended Justice Mohammed Noor Kullow, Judge of the Environment and Land Court following recommendations by the Judicial Service Commission.
Consequently, the President has appointed a tribunal to inquire into his conduct.
According to a Gazette Notice on Friday, March 8, Appeal Judge Patrick Kiage will chair the Tribunal.
“Having received and considered the four petitions submitted by the Judicial Service Commission, and in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 168 (5) (b) of the Constitution of Kenya, as read together with Section 31 of the Judicial Service Act, 2011; 1, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, do direct as follows:
(a) The Hon. Mr. Justice Mohammed Noor Kullow, Judge of the Environment and Land Court, be and is suspended from office with immediate effect,” read part of the Gazette Notice.
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Members of the Tribunal include Lady Justice Margaret Njoki Mwangi, Justice Anthony Mrima, Senior Counsel Kipkemoi Kibet, Wanjiru Mwariri, Rukia Abdnasir Mohamed, and Charles Mulila.
Furthermore, Ruto appointed Dorcas Agik Oduor as the Lead Consel while Jasper Mbiuki and Collins Kiprono form a joint secretariat.
Emmanuel Omondi Bitta and Georgiadis Majimbo are the assisting counsels.
Ruto Outlines Tribunal Mandate
“The mandate of the Tribunal shall be to- (i) consider the four petitions for the removal of. Hon. Justice Mohammed Noor Kullow from office; and (ii) inquire into the conduct of the Hon. Judge in terms of the particulars set out in the petitions and to determine whether the allegations therein constitute breach of the provisions of Article 168 of the Constitution,” read the Gazette Notice in part.
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In addition, the Tribunal shall, “expeditiously prepare and submit a report and its recommendations thereon; and exercise all the powers conferred upon it by law for the proper execution of its mandate.”
JSC Petition to remove Judge from Office
On March 6, JSC petition President Ruto to form a tribunal to investigate the removal of Justice Kullow from office.
In a statement, the Commission said it petitioned the head of state after receiving complaints.
Moreover, JSC reached the conclusion after to initiating proceedings for the removal of the Judge from office, “for inordinately delaying or failing to deliver rulings or judgements in a total of 116 matters.”
Similarly, JSC dismissed Principal Magistrate Patrick Wambugu from service for gross misconduct.
