The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has launched investigations into allegations of bribery involving a sitting judge following a wave of accusations and pressure from social media.
In a statement released on Monday, September 22, the commission acknowledged the claims, adding that a full investigation would take place before appropriate action is taken.
“The Judicial Service Commission has noted allegations of bribery against a judge that have been circulating on social media,” the statement read.
“In this regard, the Commission has commenced investigations into the matter and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to uphold integrity and ensure accountability within the Judiciary, in full adherence to the rule of law.”
On Sunday, social media was rife with allegations which gained traction after former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi publicly called out a judge whom he accused of receiving bribes in the region of millions.
According to Havi, the judge received a bribe to nullify some documents which were crucial in a case, only for the prosecution witness to ask for a refund.
"I am told that all his orders are couched in these terms. Where does he derive the power to declare documents filed out of time null and void? Did some of these Judges ever practice law before being appointed to the Bench?" Havi posed on X, formerly Twitter.
A day later, on September 22, Havi also called out another female judge, describing her as the 'most corrupt in the country'.
Havi claimed the judge had a worrying pattern of issuing straightforward judgments, only to overturn them after allegedly being approached for a bribe.
“She issues a straightforward judgment, and on being approached, she overturns it with a ruling on stay pending appeal. Of course, we don’t have an RTGS or cash receipt for the bribe, but the fingerprints are all over the treated notes,” the vocal lawyer said.
The vocal lawyer accompanied his allegations with a petition and supporting documents, including letters from the involved party who issued a bribe only to later ask for a refund.
In response, the JSC has moved to affirm its constitutional responsibility to promote and safeguard the independence and accountability of the judiciary.
Citing Articles 172 and 168 of the Constitution, the Commission reiterated its mandate to uphold integrity within the judicial system and stressed that the allegations would be handled with the seriousness they deserve.
