Tribunal probing justice Ojwang visits his rural home

The tribunal probing the conduct of Supreme Court judge Jackton Ojwang (pictured) held its hearings at his Kakrao village in Suna East, Migori County.

The tribunal chaired by Alnashir Visram arrived at Justice Ojwang’s village some few minutes past 10am.

Justice Ojwang and his wife Prof Colleta Suda were present during the hearings held at the road side, less than 500 metres from the judge’s compound.

Justice Visram opened the hearings with one witness who had been waiting at the road being sworn in.

“We have one witness who will testify today and as agreed last week, this is a private hearing and we will not allow the media to record the proceedings,” he said.

Lead counsel Paul Nyamodi made his remarks before the witness was allowed to start testifying before the tribunal.

In the petition, Justice Ojwang is accused of close association with Migori County Government and it’s Governor Okoth Obado.

He is accused that he authored a judgment in respect to the Sony sugar belt and in return was rewarded by Governor Obado, who allegedly constructed the road to the judge’s private residence on the outskirts of Migori town.

Ojwang is also accused of failing to withdraw from the Awendo sugar belt case and the Migori governor election petition despite knowing that he had a close relationship with Mr Obado.

His accuser, Nelson Oduor Onyango, claims that Ojwang was seen visiting Obado’s family and that the governor reciprocated the visit.

Members of the tribunal include lawyers Ambrose Weda, Lucy Kambuni, Justice (rtd) Festus Azangalala, Andrew Mwamuye, Sylvia Wanjiku Muchiri and Amina Abdalla.

President Uhuru Kenyatta formed the tribunal based on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission.

Justice Ojwang’ stands suspended from office, according to the Constitution.