The Judicial Service Commission(JSC) has summoned former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko to testify against High Court Judge Juma Chitembwe.
In the directive dated Thursday, November 25, Sonko will testify on December 14, regarding the 14 videos he posted implicating Justice Chitembwe in graft.
The letter addressed to Sonko stated that the JSC has appointed a panel to hear the matter, requiring him to appear in person on the said date,
"The attention of the JSC has been drawn to several video clips, social media posts, cellphone recordings released by you in which Hon. Justice Said Juma Chitembwe's conduct as a judge has been brought to question.
"This is therefore to notify you, pursuant to the provisions of Article 252 (3)(b) of the Constitution and section 42 part VIII of the Judicial Service Act No. 1 of 2011, that the JSC will require your personal attendance to testify as a witness in the aforesaid matter which will proceed for the oral hearing on Tuesday, December 14," an excerpt from the letter read.
Besides that, the ex-governor was asked to appear at the JSC in person within seven days of service, to officially record the statement.
This comes after Sonko was given a restraining court order, barring him from posting any derogatory remarks against High Court judges.
"It is hereby ordered that the matter is certified as urgent. That pending hearing inter parties the defendants are hereby restrained from publishing further statements/articles forthwith as regards the plaintiffs/applicants,” Justice Miller had issued the order
"That given the nature of the publication and the public interest in the matter this application is to be heard urgently and on-priority basis," the Magistrate had ordered.
The said justice Chitembwe was captured on camera by Sonko, where he was heard demanding ksh 100M to compromise a case he was presiding over.
In the video released on November 16, the judge's brother was receiving a bribe on his behalf.
It caused so much uproar on social media, with several groups and individuals pressuring the Judiciary to remove the judge in question from his position.
Chief Justice Martha Koome later stated in a meeting with JSC that she had seen the videos, and was going to take action against the implicated judge.
Chitembwe however defended himself, stating that the videos which had gone viral on social media were edited with the intention of having his character questioned, so that he may be relieved of his duties.
On his part, Sonko has made it clear that as of now he has nothing to lose, and he will keep releasing the videos, so as to ensure all Kenyans access justice.
