Chief Justice Martha Koome presided over the swearing-in of a 12-member tribunal tasked with adjudicating four petitions seeking the removal of Justice Mohammed Noor Kullow from office.
The swearing-in ceremony, which took place on Tuesday, marked a crucial step in the judicial process initiated against Kullow.
The panel, comprising legal luminaries and experts, was appointed by President William Ruto through a Gazette Notice issued on March 8, 2024.
Among them is the tribunal's chairperson, Justice Patrick Omwenga Kiage, alongside six other distinguished members, including Lady Justice Margaret Njoki Mwangi and Justice Anthony Charo Mrima.
Senior Counsel Dorcas Agik Oduor was sworn in as the Legal Counsel of the team, while joint secretaries Jasper Mbiuki and Collins Kiprono were also inaugurated into their roles.
Additionally, two assistant counsels, Emmanuel Omondi Bitta and Georgiadis Majimbo, took their oaths, signifying the commencement of their duties.
The primary mandate of the tribunal is to thoroughly investigate the allegations levelled against Justice Kullow, which include claims of incompetence, gross misconduct, violation of the Constitution, and breach of the Judicial Service (Code of Conduct and Ethics) Regulations, 2020.
These allegations stem from Kullow's tenure at the Narok Law Courts, where it is alleged he failed to deliver judgments and rulings promptly.
President William Ruto suspended Justice Kullow on March 8, following a recommendation by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
The JSC, chaired by Chief Justice Martha Koome, submitted four petitions to the President, asserting that constitutional grounds for the removal of Justice Kullow had been met.
"The petitions are premised on the manner in which the Honourable Judge handled 116 matters during the time he served at Narok Law Courts, in that it is alleged that he occasioned delay and failed to deliver a specified number of judgments and rulings," read a gazette notice published on March 8, 2024.
The initiation of th guided by Article 168(5)(b) of the Constitution and Section 31 of the Judicial Service Act, 2011, underscores the seriousness with which the allegations against Justice Kullow are being treated.
Upon receiving the petitions, President Ruto was mandated to suspend the judge from office and appoint a tribunal to investigate the claims.
Justice Patrick Omwenga Kiage, who assumes the role of the tribunal's chairperson, expressed the solemnity of their task, stating, "We are committed to conducting a thorough and fair inquiry into the allegations brought against Justice Kullow. Our aim is to ensure that justice is served in accordance with the law and the principles of natural justice."
The tribunal is expected to examine the evidence presented and make recommendations based on its findings.
