Two people withdraws petition seeking removal of Justice Said Chitembwe

Two Kenyans who recently petitioned the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to remove High Court Judge Said Juma Chitembwe have withdrawn the petition.

John Wangai and Stephen Ooko withdrew the case today morning citing the matter had not been handled in accordance with rules of natural justice.

“I wish to confirm that we have no complaint against the honorable Justice Said Chitembwe,” the petitioners said.

“As ardent defenders of the promoting fidelity to the constitution…we have resolved to withdraw the petition.”

The two had filed the petition on November 17 questioning Chitembwe’s integrity.

Their withdrawal leaves two petitions before JSC, the most recent one being the former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko’s.

The commission has set up a panel to consider petitions seeking 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.