Judiciary Explains Why CJ’s Ksh310 Million Posh Home Remains Unoccupied

The judiciary has explained why a Ksh310 million house acquired six years ago for the Chief Justice remains unoccupied.

The palatial Runda residence was acquired in 2013 as the official residence of the Chief Justice.

Appearing before the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Anne Amadi was put to task to explain why the residence is lying idle.

“We spent money to buy a house in Runda and up to now nobody is occupying the house,” stated nominated MP Jenniffer Shamala.

Amadi appeared before the committee chaired by William Cheptumo on Wednesday over 2019-20 Budget Policy statement. 

The registrar mentioned that the upscale residence was not in a habitable state and requires some repairs before it is occupied.

The house has also been subject of protracted legal battles.

The residence, which was reportedly bought from former Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama, was embroiled in procurement tussles with the Auditor General highlighting that the Judiciary did not follow the proper procedures.

Six officials involved in the purchase of the grand house included former Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Gladys Shollei who was fired when the alleged irregularities came to light.

Neither Chief Justice David Maraga nor his predecessor Willy Mutunga has lived in the residence, with Justice Maraga currently residing in his Karen home.