January 23, 2025

Summary

This move follows a formal request from Chief Justice Martha Koome, who urged the commission to address claims of bribery involving judicial officers.

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EACC launches probe into Judiciary corruption allegations

EACC launches probe into Judiciary corruption allegations

EACC launches probe into Judiciary corruption allegations

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 23 – The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has initiated an investigation into allegations of corruption within Kenya’s Judiciary. This move follows a formal request from Chief Justice Martha Koome, who urged the commission to address claims of bribery involving judicial officers.

EACC Chairperson David Oginde confirmed the probe, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to ensuring accountability and upholding justice within the judiciary.

Speaking on Wednesday during the launch of the National Integrity Academic Strategic Plan at the Kenya School of Government, Oginde revealed that investigations are focused on three undisclosed judicial service stations suspected of harboring corrupt practices.

“We cannot tolerate individuals who undermine the pursuit of justice,” Oginde remarked. “The EACC is actively investigating bribery allegations in three judicial service stations. During a meeting with Chief Justice Koome, she expressed concerns about receiving reports of certain officers accepting bribes and compromising the delivery of justice. She requested our intervention to address this critical issue.”

Oginde further assured the public that any individuals found culpable would face the full force of the law. “We are closely scrutinizing the judiciary, and should we uncover any wrongdoing, appropriate legal action will be taken to bring the perpetrators to justice,” he added.

The allegations have intensified public scrutiny of Kenya’s Judiciary, drawing criticism from various stakeholders, including members of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and practicing advocates. Many have called for stringent action, with some even advocating for the removal of judges implicated in unethical practices.

The situation has reignited debates about the integrity of the Judiciary, with tensions further fueled by an ongoing rift between the Supreme Court and prominent lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi. The feud, which has played out publicly on social media, resulted in Ahmednasir being permanently barred from representing clients before the Supreme Court.

Adding to the controversy, former LSK President Nelson Havi recently demanded Chief Justice Koome’s resignation, accusing her of failing to uphold the Judiciary’s credibility. Havi also filed a petition with the Judicial Service Commission seeking the removal of all seven Supreme Court judges on grounds of gross misconduct and abuse of office.

In response to the growing criticism, Chief Justice Koome dismissed calls for her resignation, asserting her commitment to fulfilling her constitutional mandate. “You ask if I will resign; I ask you, why should I resign? I was appointed to serve a specific tenure, and no valid reason has been presented for me to step down,” she stated firmly.

The unfolding developments have sparked widespread debate about the Judiciary’s role in safeguarding justice and public trust.

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