President Uhuru Kenyatta has ordered the immediate suspension of Justice Juma Chitembwe following the recommendation by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

In a Gazette Notice published on Thursday, Uhuru directed Chitembwe to go on suspension and also formed a Tribunal led by Justice Mumbi Ngugi to look into his conduct.

The tribunal formed will probe the matter and report its findings to the president.

The tribunal comprises Senior Counsel Fred Ojiambo, Court of Appeal judge Justice Abida Ali Aroni, Justice Nzioki wa Makau, James Ochieng Oduol, Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Jackson W. Ndungu, Dr Lydia Nzomo, and Senior Counsel Kiragu Kimani. 

"In the discharge of its functions, the Tribunal shall: (a) Prepare and submit a report and its recommendations thereon expeditiously; and (b) Exercise all the powers conferred upon it by law for the proper execution of its mandate," the notice partly read.

Read More

  1. Why Chief Justice Martha Koome faces petition to remove her from office
  2. Supreme Court upholds removal of suspended Justice Juma Chitembwe
  3. Peter Salasya in trouble for threatening a magistrate after losing Sh500k debt case

According to the gazette notice, the tribunal shall consider the petition submitted by JSC for the removal of Justice Said Juma Chitembwe from office and inquire into the allegations therein. 

JSC approved the removal of Justice Chitembwe from office over allegations levelled against him of gross misconduct last month.

According to JSC, it received Petitions seeking the removal of Chitembwe on allegations of impropriety and gross misconduct. 

Further, the Commission on its own motion started proceedings for the removal of Chitembwe from office pursuant to the provisions of Article 168 (2) of the Constitution.

JSC resolved to send the petition to President Uhuru Kenyatta for further action.

“Accordingly, the Commission. resolved to send the Petition to His Excellency the President for his further action in accordance with Article 168(4) of the Constitution,” JSC said.