President Uhuru Suspends High Court Judge Said Chitembwe

President Kenyatta has suspended High Court Judge Said Chitembwe to pave the way for an investigation against him on allegations of gross misconduct.

The president also formed a seven-member tribunal to investigate Justice Chitembwe following a recommendation by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). 

The tribunal will be chaired by Lady Justice Mumbi Ngugi with Jasper M. Mbiuki and Sarah Yamo serving as the joint secretaries. Its members include Senior Counsel Dr. Fred N. Ojiambo, Lady Justice Abida Ali Aroni, Justice Nzioki wa Makau, 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.

“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,” Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua said in a statement on Thursday.

The JSC made the recommendation after determining that a petition filed for judge Chitembwe's removal from office on the grounds of gross misconduct and impropriety presented sufficient grounds for his ouster.

The petition for the removal of Justice Chitembwe from office was filed by former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and three others namely; Francis Wambua, Imgrad Geige, and David Leboo Ole Kilusu.