The Judiciary on Thursday dismissed claims that Malindi Senior Magistrate Corilus Osero Nyawiri is missing, asserting that he is just off duty.
Through a statement issued by Deputy Director Public Affairs and Communication Catherine Wambui, the Judiciary affirmed that Justice Nyawiri is merely off duty and not missing as was reported by the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA).
"The Judiciary wishes to confirm that during the time it was indicated that his whereabouts were unknown, Nyawiri was not missing," Ms Wambui noted.
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The Senior Magistrate was reported missing under unclear circumstances in May following reports that the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) had arrested him.
However, Wambui also refuted claims that the commission's investigators stormed Nyawiri's office and tried to seize documents.
"We also wish to state that the magistrate was never in the hands of the EACC and that he is not being investigated by the anti-graft body," she mentioned.
Last Thursday, the Judges association wrote to EACC enquiring about the whereabouts of Justice Osero.
"As the officials of the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association, we have reports that our member, Hon. Corilus Osero Nyawiri is missing.
"We have further information that the said Magistrate is being held by Officers of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)," the KMJA letter read in part.
The Judiciary, however, called on all judges and magistrates to continue discharging their duties with courage, diligence, impartiality, and independence, in line with the Constitution and their oaths of office.
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