Chief Justice Willy Mutunga has today warned judges and magistrates against engaging in corruption, which he said had reached alarming levels.
Dr Mutunga said investigations into corruption cases were ongoing, and that the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) would weed out all corrupt elements in courts.
Speaking in Mombasa while addressing over 200 judges drawn from the High, Appeal and Supreme courts in Mombasa, the CJ said the JSC is disturbed by the high number of corruption-related complaints against judges and magistrates, the Nation reports.
According to a Star report, Dr Mutunga termed corruption among judicial officers as being driven by “poverty of self and honor.”
He said, “I have never understood why a judge, who is very well paid, enjoys security of tenure, has highly concessionary mortgage and car loan facilities, has an excellent medical cover, has probably had a previously successful career as an advocate or scholar for over a decade, should indulge in a practice so demeaning at both professional and personal level.”
The CJ’s tough talk comes amid a signature collection process, by lawyers in Mombasa county, seeking to oust Mutunga from office and dissolve the Judicial Service Commission.
The lawyers have accused the CJ of having marginalized Mombasa during the posting of judges and magistrates, leaving the county understaffed.
See also: Lawyers Seek Support for Petition to Remove CJ Mutunga
