Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

top
DCI Director George Kinoti. /FILE.

Headlines

DCI Kinoti says judges Muchelule, Chitembwe facing graft probe

NAIROBI, Kenya Jul 23 – The Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) George Kinoti has disclosed that High Court judges Said Juma Chitembwe and Aggrey Muchelule are being investigated over allegations of corruption and abuse of office.

In a series of tweets, Kinoti said ‘appropriate action will be taken in consultation with all the relevant agencies and authorities as provided by the law’ once investigations on the two judges is completed.

The two judges were picked up from their chambers Thursday alongside some of their aides and taken in for questioning by detectives before they were freed.

 

The move by the DCI to investigate the two judges has elicited mixed reactions, with the Judges and Magistrate’s Association filing an application terming the action “an attack on the judiciary.”

Chief Justice Martha Koome as well as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji have said they were not formally notified of the move.

Koome, who held a meeting with the two judges on Friday morning, said the action has caused anxiety among judges and judicial officers.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

“However, no formal report has been made to me as the Head of the Judiciary or the Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission,” she stated in a statement to newsrooms.

On his part Haji, denied that his agency sanctioned the arrests.

“Contrary to reports by LSK blaming the DPP for the arrest, the DPP is not aware of circumstances which led to the arrest or questioning of two judges neither has his office received any investigation files concerning them. In the event the file (s) is presented to the ODPP for advice, the DPP will direct as appropriate,” he stated.

But in a rejoinder, DCI Kinoti defended the investigation agency against claims it is being used to intimidate members of the Judiciary.

Kinoti explained that his officers were acting on intelligence and engaged the two judges, their drivers and clerks to assist with investigations

“Following allegations of corruption and abuse of office, the DCI acting on intelligence and as guided under Article 244(b) of the Constitution engaged Justice Said Juma Chitembwe, Justice Aggrey Muchelule among other accomplices to assist with investigations,” he explained.

Justice Muchelule was among the four High Court judges whose promotion to the appellate court was rejected by President Uhuru Kenyatta over alleged integrity issues. He is currently attached to the Family Division.

Justice Chitembwe was among judges and lawyers who were interviewed for the position of Chief Justice to succeed David Maraga in April.

He is currently serving in the Civil Division of the High Court at Milimani.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

The two judges have since obtained orders halting any further action against them until their case is heard and determined.

About The Author

Comments
Advertisement

More on Capital News

NATIONAL NEWS

Amoth emphasized the importance of precautionary measures, including avoiding close contact with sick individuals, practicing respiratory and hand hygiene.

NATIONAL NEWS

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 28 – President William Ruto has officially flagged off this year’s World Rally Championship Safari Rally at the Kenyatta International Convention...

NATIONAL NEWS

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 28 – The Ministry of Health has received a donation of 940 mobile tablets valued at 476,000 USD from the World...

NATIONAL NEWS

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 28 – The World Rally Championship will promote Kenya’s tourism sector and boost the hospitality industry, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has...

NATIONAL NEWS

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 27 – The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) has won the Best Quality Leadership Award 2024, which is bestowed by the...

NATIONAL NEWS

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 27 – The National Council for Population and Development (NCPD) has launched the fourth strategic plan that aims at Improving the...

NATIONAL NEWS

Mbadi stated that it will be highly unlikely the political outfit to hold the exercise as the election coordinating committee has not been formed.

NATIONAL NEWS

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 27 – The government has released Sh30.5 billion for secondary school education capitation as well as loans and scholarships for university students....