JSC to probe graft allegations against Justice Chitembwe

The Judicial Service Commission will meet to discuss a petition seeking the removal from office of judge Said Juma Chitembwe following viral leaks alleging misconduct and a scheme to compromise a case.

This is after The Law Society of Kenya gave JSC 14-days ultimatum to probe Justice Chitembwe.

Chief Justice Martha Koome says they have taken judicial notice of what has been reported in the media and the Judicial Service Commission is seized of the matter.

“The Judicial Service Commission will meet to deliberate on the issue according to its constitution and statutory set procedures,” she said.

In a video which has evoked mixed reactions from Kenyans, allegedly shows the judge discussing how to compromise a case.

In the video posted by former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, Chitembwe is seen communicating with his brother about a Sh100 million bribe to rule in favor of a land dispute.

Led by LSK Nairobi Chapter Chair, Eric Theuri, the advocates advised the judge to ‘soul search’ and examine his moral compass and if the allegations are true he should step aside.

However, Justice Chitembwe has denied wrongdoing, saying the videos were edited to cast aspersion on his character and depict him as unfit to hold office.

Chitembwe was one of the two judges arrested in July after police said they got a tip-off they had intended to receive a bribe.

In an affidavit filed in court , DCI through Chief Inspector Felix Karisa Banzi said that they recovered USD 50,000 from an unidentified lady in Justice Aggrey Muchelule’s chambers and a further 7,000 USD from Justice Said Chitembwe.

However, Chitembwe said the Sh770,000 which was recovered in US Dollars, was intended for his son’s Australian school fees.

He claimed that he had custody of the funds since July 20 this year because he could not transfer the funds straight to his son’s University tuition account as he had requested.

“I was waiting to find time and go to the bank for help and advice on how to transfer the money directly to the university as requested by my son when I was unceremoniously and embarrassed , roughed up and arrested within the court premises for no crime at all,” Chetembwe explained.

“As a family we have kept a dollar account under my wife’s name for over three years and as such it’s not unusual or  suspect for me to have US Dollars in my possession as its proposed by the DCI.”