The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has petitioned  President William Ruto to appoint a tribunal to investigate the conduct of Environment and Land Court(ELC) Judge Mohammed Noor Kullow.

This is after five petitions were filed against  the Judge for delaying or failing to deliver rulings or judgments in a total of 116 matters.

“The Commission was satisfied that three out of the 5 Petitions as well as the proceedings at the Commission’s own motion had disclosed grounds for the removal of Hon. Justice Kullow from office over gross misconduct; incompetence and violation of the Judicial Service Code of Conduct. Two Petitions were dismissed for failure to disclose sufficient grounds for removal,” said JSC in a statement.

According to JSC, it is mandated under Article 168(2) of the Constitution to initiate the process of removal of a Judge from office either acting on its own motion, or on the Petition of any person.

Upon receipt of several complaints, the JSC on 31st May 2023 resolved on its own motion, to initiate proceedings for the removal of the Narok-based judge  from office, for inordinately delaying or failing to deliver rulings or judgments in a total of 116 matters.

“The Commission appointed a Panel to consider the Petitions as provided under the Judicial Service Act No. 1 of 2011. The panel presented its Reports to the Commission on 22nd February 2024.

“The Commission has Petitioned His Excellency the President to appoint a tribunal in accordance with Article 168 (4) & (5) of the Constitution,” said JSC.

At the same time, has resolved to dismiss Honorable Patrick Wambugu, Principal Magistrate from service for gross misconduct.

The Magistrate was accused of irregularly altering bond terms that resulted in the release of an accused person who had been charged with defilement of a six-year-old minor. The accused person has since jumped bail.