CJ Koome among JSC officers summoned by Ombudsman

Chief Justice Martha Koome is among 10 Judicial Service Commission (JSC) members summoned by the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ ) for failing to make public complaints of Judicial officers they have received and handled.

The Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ) popularly known as the Ombudsman, said the move was necessitated after JSC failed to comply with its directive to publish and publicise all the complaints against the Judicial Officers handled by both the office of the Judiciary Ombudsman and the JSC in accordance with the provisions of Art.35 (3) of the Constitution and 55 of Access to Information Act.

Among those summoned include; Hon. Isaac Rutto, Hon. Dorcas Odiwuor, Hon. Justice Mohammed Ibrahim, Hon. Justice Fatuma Sichale, Justice Antony Mrima, Hon. Everlyne Olwande, Hon. Omwanza Ombati, Hon. Caroline Nzilani Ajuoga  and Hon. Jacqueline Ingutiah.

“This unprecedented action stems from the failure by JSC and Judiciary to comply with the directives of the Commission regarding the resolution and publication of complaints of maladministration against judges, judicial officers and staff of the Judiciary,” a statement from CAJ Friday read.

“This decision was not taken lightly. The Commission reaffirms its unflinching resolve to deal firmly and fairly with Public and State Officers who disobey its directives in the performance of their constitutional mandate. We will not hesitate to call out any impunity or “utado” attitude on the part of such Officers,” the statement further read.

The Ombudsman noted that it had tried to engage the Judiciary and JSC to no avail in the recent past regarding the resolution and publication of such complaints.

According to the Commission, it has received 700 complaints of maladministration against the Judiciary, some of which have remained unresolved to date.