31 judges face the sack as JSC cracks the whip on errant judicial officers

Chief Justice David Maraga flanked by members of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) addresses a press conference at Supreme Court on Tuesday, July 24, 2018. [David Njaaga, Standard]

Over 30 judges are at risk of being sacked for gross misconduct as the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) continues the purge on errant judicial officers.

The commission said it had already dismissed five magistrates in the last two months for issuing illegal orders that led to demolition of people’s houses and having fat bank accounts with unexplained sources of wealth.

According to the JSC, the 31 judges are being investigated over various claims ranging from corruption and bribery within the Judiciary, interfering with the course of justice, insubordination, breach of code of conduct and work ethics and gross misconduct.

“As at January 2019, the commission was seized of 69 complaints against judges of the superior courts. These complaints were considered and 13 admitted for hearing while 18 other petitions are at an advanced stage of consideration,” said the JSC in statement.

In the event that the commission is satisfied with the complaints filed against any of the accused judges, it will recommend to the President to suspend the said judge and form a tribunal to investigate their conduct.

The tribunal will then institute proceedings against the judge and if found guilty, the President will have no option but to remove the judge from office.

On disciplinary issues against errant magistrates, the commission said it heard and determined nine case. Five jidges were found to have grossly misconducted themselves contrary to the provisions of their code of conduct and were dismissed. [Paul Ogemba]