President Kenyatta suspends judge Said Chitembwe

President Uhuru Kenyatta has suspended High Court judge Said Chitembwe to pave the way for investigations against him on allegations of gross misconduct.

Kenyatta appointed the tribunal upon receiving a petition by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) which recommended that the judge be probed.

The tribunal will be chaired by Lady Justice Mumbi Ngugi with the members comprising Senior Counsel Dr. Fred N. Ojiambo, Lady Justice Abida Ali Aroni, Justice Nzioki wa Makau, Mr. James Ochieng’ Oduol, Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Jackson W. Ndung’u and Dr. Lydia Nzomo.

The lead counsel in the tribunal will be Senior Counsel Kiragu Kimani assisted by Joseph Gitonga Riungu and Edward Omotii Nyang’au while Joint Secretaries for the team will be Jasper M. Mbiuki and Sarah Yamo.

“The Head of State and Government notes that the Petition contains grave allegations regarding the conduct of the Judge and further notes that allegations of gross misconduct on the part of a judge erode the faith of Kenyans in the fair administration of justice,” reads a statement from Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua.

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC)  determined that petitions filed for Justice Said Chitembwe's removal from office on the grounds of gross misconduct and impropriety presented sufficient grounds for his removal.

The JSC said in a statement issued on May 4, 2022, that the panel tasked with considering the Petitions had completed its work and had submitted its report to the full Commission for consideration.

Four petitions were filed by former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, Francis Wambua, Imgrad Geige and David Leboo Ole Kilusu seeking the removal of the Judge from office.