The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has recommended the removal of High court Judge Said Chitembwe from office over gross misconduct and has sent its decision to President Uhuru Kenyatta for further action.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, the commission stated that it had reviewed the petitions against Justice Chitembwe and found he was not fit for office over gross misconduct.
"On April 27, 2022, the JSC considered the report of the panel on the petition initiated by the Commission on its own motion and is satisfied that the Petition discloses grounds for the removal of Hon. Justice Chitembwe Said Juma from office, pursuant to the provisions of Article 168 ( 1 ) of the Constitution," the JSC says.
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According to the JSC, the panel constituted to consider the petitions concluded its work and presented its report to the full commission for deliberation before the final recommendations were made to have the judge removed from office.
"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 states.
Chitembwe's troubles
Chitembwe's troubles started after former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko shared videos and photos where the judicial officer allegedly received bribes to influence cases before him.
In the videos, Sonko recorded a meeting with the judge's brother soliciting and receiving a bribe on his behalf. The video sparked a debate on social media platforms and the mainstream media.
There are several petitions where the judge was accused of gross misconduct in handling their cases.
