NAIROBI, Kenya Mar 9 – President William Ruto has formed a tribunal tasked with probing the conduct of Environment and Land Court Judge, Justice Mohammed Noor Kullow.
The move comes after the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) chaired by Chief Justice Martha Koome recommended his removal from office.
Justice Kullow is confronted with allegations of incompetence, gross misconduct, constitutional violations, and breaches of the Judicial Service (Code of Conduct and Ethics) Regulations.
In compliance with President Ruto’s orders contained in a gazette notice dated March 8, 2024, Justice Kullow is presently suspended and will present his defense before the tribunal led by Justice Patrick Kiage.
“Whereas the petitions are premised on how the Honourable Judge handled one hundred and sixteen (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,” President Ruto said.
Five petitions were submitted to the Commission, calling for the removal of Justice Kullow.
JSC verified that three of the petitions had valid claims, justifying the removal of Justice Kullow.
Subsequently, President Ruto has tasked the seven-member tribunal to commence its investigation and assess the validity of the allegations against the Judge.
The tribunal is tasked with conducting hearings, gathering evidence, and presenting its findings to the President.
Justice Kullow will be accorded a fair and expeditious process, ensuring justice is served without undue delay.
The tribunal is scheduled to start its inquiry promptly. Once completed, it will submit its recommendations to the President, who will then either accept the recommendation and dismiss the judge, or reject it and reinstate the judge.
Article 168(1) of the Constitution outlines specific grounds for the removal of a judge, including incapacity to perform duties due to mental or physical reasons, bankruptcy, violation of the code of conduct, incompetence, and gross misconduct or misbehavior.
