CJ Koome Announces Magistrate’s Dismissal Over Alleged Gross Misconduct

Chief Justice Martha Koome has announced the dismissal of a magistrate from service for alleged gross misconduct.

In a statement on Wednesday, she said the Judicial Service Commission had decided the discharge of its disciplinary mandate over Judicial officers and staff under Article 172 (2) (c) of the Constitution.

She said the magistrate had been accused of irregularly altering bond terms that resulted in the release of an accused person who had been charged with defilement of a six-year-old child.

Koome stated that the accused person has since jumped bail.

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She noted that since January 2023 to date, the Commission has received four disciplinary cases against judicial officers from the Office of the Chief Justice.

“Upon consideration, the Commission dismissed one judicial officer from service, dismissed one disciplinary case for insufficient evidence while two of the cases are ongoing,” she added.

Koome further stated that during the same period, the Commission has received 85 petitions/complaints against judges.

A total of 37 were dismissed on grounds that they were based on the merits or decisional independence of a judge.

Of the remaining, she said, 30 are pending preliminary evaluation before the Commission, and 11 are awaiting responses from the judges concerned.

“Three petitions have been admitted for hearing and petitions have been forwarded to the President for appointment of a tribunal,” Koome added.

The Chief Justice has assured Kenyans that the Commission is committed to the values of integrity and accountability in the Judiciary.

She reiterated its dedication to discharge its mandate in accordance with the Constitution and the law.

—Source: The Star