"Judicial Shake-Up: JSC Receives Petitions Against Chief Justice Koome and Supreme Court Judges"

 Judicial Service Commission (JSC) Receives Five Petitions Against Supreme Court and High Court Judges in 2025

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) of Kenya has confirmed receiving five petitions and complaints this year, including a high-profile case against Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Koome and other Supreme Court judges. These developments are sparking significant interest in Kenya's judiciary and raising critical questions about judicial accountability and integrity.

Key Petition Against Chief Justice Martha Koome and Supreme Court Judges

In a statement released on Thursday, JSC Vice Chairperson Isaac Rutto announced that prominent advocate Nelson Havi filed a petition on January 10, 2025. The petition targets Chief Justice Martha Koome, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, and Supreme Court Justices Njoki Ndung’u, Mohammed Ibrahim, Dr. Smokin Wanjala, Isaac Lenaola, and William Ouko.

Havi alleges gross misconduct and misbehavior by these top judicial officers, making this one of the most critical judicial accountability cases in Kenya. Should the JSC find merit in the petition, it will recommend to President William Ruto the formation of a tribunal to investigate their potential removal.

Complaints Against High Court Judges

The JSC has also confirmed receiving two separate petitions against High Court Justice Alfred Mabeya. Advocate Nelson Havi lodged a petition on January 10, 2025, citing gross misconduct, while Edwin Dande, CEO of Cytonn Investments, filed another complaint on December 16, 2024.

Additionally, Nelson Havi filed a separate petition against High Court Justice Lucas Leperes Naikuni on January 10, alleging incompetence in judicial duties. These petitions highlight increasing scrutiny of Kenya's judiciary and its role in delivering justice.

Judicial Service Commission: Handling Petitions Since 2011

The JSC's handling of judicial misconduct is under the spotlight as the commission reveals it has received a total of 935 petitions against judges between 2011 and 2024. Of these, 862 petitions have been resolved, and 12 have been forwarded to the President with recommendations for tribunal formation.

The remaining 73 petitions are at various stages of review, showcasing the scale of judicial scrutiny in Kenya and the ongoing efforts to uphold judicial ethics and professionalism.

Why This Matters: Judicial Integrity in Kenya

This year's petitions, particularly those against Chief Justice Martha Koome and other Supreme Court judges, underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in Kenya's judiciary. They also highlight the role of legal practitioners like Nelson Havi and organizations like the JSC in ensuring the judiciary remains a trusted pillar of democracy.

Stay Updated on Kenya’s Judiciary

As the story develops, the JSC’s actions will be closely monitored by legal experts, citizens, and policymakers. For more updates on judicial reforms, governance, and Kenya’s legal landscape, stay tuned to Online Libraryke—your trusted source for the latest news on law, technology, finance, and education in Kenya.