President Ruto suspends Justice Mohammed Kullow

Narok Environment and Lands Court Judge Mohammed Kullow. [File, Standard]

President William Ruto has suspended Environment and Labour Court Judge Mohammed Noor Kullow and appointed a tribunal to probe him.

The suspension follows a recommendation by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

In a March 8, gazette notice President Ruto appointed Court of Appeal Judge Patrick Kiage to chair the tribunal.

JSC, which is chaired by Chief Justice Martha Koome submitted four petitions seeking Kullow's ouster on grounds of incompetence, violation of the constitution, gross misconduct and breach of the Judicial Service Regulations.

JSC dropped two petitions after they failed to meet the threshold.

"Commission was satisfied that three out of the five petitions as well as the proceedings at the commission's own motion had disclosed grounds for the removal of Hon. Justice Kullow from officer over gross misconduct, incompetence and violation of the Judicial Service Code of Conduct. Two petitions were dismissed for failure to disclose sufficient grounds for removal," read the JSC statement.

Central to these four petitions are failure to deliver rulings and judgements in over 116 matters before him.

Curiously, Kullow had been awarded the best judge in clearing cases in September 2020, yet a year later a petition was filed to remove him for failure to deliver rulings on time.

Members of the tribunal are Lady Justice Margaret Njoki, Justice Anthony Mrima, Senior Counsel Jinaro Kipkemoi Kibet, Wanjiru Mwariri, Rukia Abdinasir Mohamed and Charles Mulila.

Senior Counsel Dorcas Agik Oduor will be the Lead Counsel, while Jasper Mbiuki and Collins Kiprono are joint secretaries.

Emmanuel Omondi Bitta and Georgiadis Majimbo are assisting counsels.

Kullow will be on half pay as he awaits the decision of the seven-member tribunal.