JSC sets up panel to probe judge Chitembwe’s graft allegations
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has set up a panel to consider petitions seeking High Court Judge Said Juma Chitembwe ouster over allegations of impropriety and gross misconduct.
JSC has ordered that the petitions be formally served on the judge, upon which he has 14 days to respond to allegations of corruption and presiding over a succession property matter he had a direct interest in.
JSC says Chitembwe has an opportunity to tell his side of the story.
“Upon deliberations, the JSC resolved that the petitions be served upon the Honorable judge for his response within 14 days of service,” Chief Justice Martha Koome said in a statement.
However, Koome disclosed that Chitembwe’s feedback will be reviewed alongside all the allegations leveled against him by a special committee established to probe his conduct.
“Thereafter, the petition’s and the Honourable Judge’s response will be considered by a panel which has been set up by the commission. The panel will present its findings and recommendations to the commission.” Koome indicated.
Justice Chitembwe has a series of graft allegations unleashed by former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.
In other petitions filed by Imgard Beige and David Leboo ole Kilusu, Chitembwe is accused of judicial misconduct and incompetence, bias, malice and ineptitude, for using his position as a judge to influence the outcome of a succession land matter he had a personal interest in.
