Judiciary dismisses probe claims

By Amos Burkeywo

KENYA: Judiciary has denied reports that its top officials are facing probe over claims of impropriety in procurement and spending procedures.

This follows a report published in one of the local dailies that the office of the Chief Registrar and the senior Judiciary management is facing Sh5 billion probe.

“I would like to clarify that the Judicial Service Commission is at a retreat and there is no on-going probe on any issue,” said Gladys Boss Shollei, Judiciary Chief Registrar.

She also clarified that the Judicial Service Commission meeting agenda in Mombasa was to deliberate on the workings of the Commission and not discussion on the alleged scandal.

Mrs Gladys Shollei said that for the last two years the Judiciary had embarked on a massive programme for reforms including financial accountability and transparency, an issue that is in line with the constitutional role of the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary who is the key accounting officer of the institution.

She further stated that out of embarking on the massive reforms, old corruption networks have been dismantled and new watertight systems have been put in place to ensure no impropriety can take place.

She however said that certain individuals and corporations who have benefitted from such vices have resorted to attempts to undermine the Judiciary’s progressive reforms.

The Chief Registrar pointed out that the Judiciary budget information which includes all procurement proposals have been in the public domain in line with new judicial policy on transparency and accountability to the people of Kenya.