Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi has formally petitioned the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to initiate the removal of the seven judges of the Supreme Court of Kenya led by Chief Justice Martha Koome.
In a statement signed by JSC vice chairperson Isaac Ruto, the judges’ employer stated that it received Havi’s petition on January 10, adding it makes allegations of gross misconduct and misbehaviour of the said seven judges of apex court.
The bench he wants to be dismissed composes of Koome, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu and Justices Mohammed Ibrahim, Smokin Wanjala, Njoki Ndung’u, Isaack Lenaola and William Ouko.
Havi and Edwin Harold Dande have also filed separate petitions against High Court judge Justice Alfred Mabeya similarly accussing him of gross misconduct and misbehaviour.
Havi’s petition was received on January 13 while Dande’s was received on December 18 last year.
Additionally, the JSC has indicated to receive another petition from n Havi against Justice Lucas Leperes Naikuni, which levels allegations of incompetence in the discharge of judicial duties.
Over the years, Ruto said the JSC has been receiving petitions and complaints against the judicial officials the procedures that are developed under in tandem of the constitution as per the Judicial Service Act.
Between 2011 and 2024, the JSC has received 935 petitions against judges where 862 of the same have been finalized and 12 have been forwarded to the president recommending for the formation of the tribunal for removal.
Other 73 remaining petitions are at various stages of processing.
“The JSC believes in the equality before the law assures all Kenyans that in discharging their mandate it shall act independently fear, favour or prejudice,” he added.
Apart from Havi, other Kenya top lawyers who have voiced their concern over the allegations levelled against the judges include Gibson Kamau Kuria, Paul Muite, and Ahmednasir Abdullahi who linked Koome’s team to corruption and integrity issues.
But while defending her tenure, Koome has severally maintained a hard stance, saying that she will not yield to intimidation from those telling her to vacate office.
If the JSC endorses the petitions, it will propose to President William Ruto to form tribunals to probe them and either recommend their sacking or stay in office.