Editor's Review

The Judicial Service Commission(JSC) on Thursday summoned former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko to testify against High Court Judge Juma Chitembwe. 

The Judicial Service Commission(JSC) on Thursday summoned former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko to testify against High Court Judge Juma Chitembwe. 

This is after Sonko leaked videos linking judge Chitembwe to bribery allegations in a case he was presiding over. 

The former Nairobi Governor is expected to testify on December 14, 2021 after the damning videos and audios he posted titled 'Rot in Judiciary'. 

On Wednesday, November 24, Sonko filed a petition at the JSC offices in Reinsurance Plaza, Taifa Road, seeking to initiate the removal of the High Court Judge.

An undated image of High Court Judge Justice Said Juma Chitembwe. [Photo: Courtesy]

"I have just filed my official JSC complaint for [the] removal of Chitembwe," Sonko remarked.

His petition came hours after Francis Wambua filed a similar petition through his lawyer John Khaminwa urging that the JSC initiate an investigation on the judge's conduct.

Wambua claimed the embattled judge had asked Lawyer Cecil Miller to arrange a meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta over Sonko's impeachment.

He denied claims that third parties influenced his petition, remarking that he was filing as a concerned citizen on judicial officers' independence, impartiality, competence, and integrity when making rulings.

"That the learned Judge used his office as if it was an enterprise and the receipt of bribes by him enabled him to package judgments specifically for the bribers and this is against the spirit of the Constitution and the law," the affidavit read in part.

Chief Justice Martha Koome wrote a letter to Justice Chitembwe requesting that he file his response within 14 days.

"Upon deliberations, the JSC has resolved that the petitions be served upon the honourable judge for his response within 14 days of service," part of the letter read.