A tribunal formed to investigate High Court judge Justice Said Juma Chitembwe has recommended his removal from office over gross misconduct.
Justice Chitembwe was suspended on May 18, 2022, over claims of gross misconduct.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta formed a tribunal to consider the petition for his removal from office.
The tribunal was chaired by Lady Justice Mumbi Ngugi of the Court of Appeal
Other members were Senior Counsel Fred Ojiambo, Justice Abida Ali Aroni, Justice Nzioki wa Makau, James Oduol, Retired General Jackson Ndung’u and Dr Lydia Nzomo.
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On May 4, 2022, JSC sent a petition to the President to form a tribunal to investigate conduct of the judge.
This was after a leaked video footage by former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko, showing the judge discussing how to compromise a case went viral.
The chair of the tribunal Justice Mumbi Ngugi said it found the judge guilty of gross misconduct.
“The tribunal unanimously found judge Chitembwe breached the Constitution while discharging his duties,” said Justice Ngugi.
Speaking when he received the tribunal report at State House on Tuesday, President William Ruto thanked the tribunal for expediting its work, noting that leadership comes with the responsibility and accountability.
The Head of State said the Constitution remains the guiding principle for all those who have been given the responsibility to serve Kenyans.
“I want to remind Kenyans that there are mechanisms to take care of any situation where someone is believed to have acted in contravention of the law while discharging public duties,” said President Ruto.
The President said he will act on the recommendations of the tribunal.
“I will do what the Constitution expects of me, ” said the President.
