Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Deputy CJ will now know her fate on Friday


9

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 9 – The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has now formed a seven-member committee to investigate allegations of misconduct against Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza over her spat with security guard Rebecca Kerubo.
The committee to be chaired by Reverend Samuel Kobia is expected to make its recommendation to the JSC by Friday January 13.
In the meantime, Chief Justice Willy Mutunga has appealed to members of the public who might have evidence of the New Year’s Eve incident at the Village Market to make presentations to the committee at the Supreme Court building.
“I appeal to all Kenyans who have any have relevant information on the matter to make available the same to the committee at the JSC secretariat Room 64, Supreme Court Building,” Mutunga said.
The CJ has also revealed that JSC has received two petitions from the members of the public seeking to compel Baraza to step aside over the incident.
Those who have filed the petitions include a Kenyan researcher Peter Gichira Solomon and political activist Okiya Omtatah who want Baraza to vacate office as she waits for the conclusion of the investigations.
Members of the JSC probe committee are Prof Christine Mango, Justice Isaac Lenaola, Florence Mwangangi, Titus Gateere, Ahmednasir Abdullahi, Isaac Lenaola and Emily Ominde.
The Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Gladys Boss Shollei will act as the secretary to the committee.
When unveiling the sub-committee, the Chief Justice assured of fair outcome of the probe.
“I wish to assure all Kenyans that the Commission will handle this matter with utmost fairness, independence and fidelity to the Constitution.”
Last Thursday when Mutunga summoned the JSC to discuss the matter he announced that no institution or person was above the law.
“Nobody or institution in Kenya is above the law. This is the creed that we strive to uphold at the Judiciary,” he warned.
The CJ also re-affirmed his pledge to ensure strict implementation and obedience of the new Constitution and singled out equality for all Kenyans.
Baraza is reported to have confronted the security guard who wanted to carry out a routine screen check on her on New Year’s Eve as she entered a chemist at the mall.
Kerubo claimed that Baraza told her she should “know people” but later went to her car and returned with a firearm which he pointed at her while threatening her.
Baraza has admitted there was a confrontation and said she regretted the incident but robustly denies pointing a firearm at the guard.
There have also been allegations that she has been sending emissaries to talk to Kerubo over the matter.
The matter has sparked public interest with some accusing Baraza of arrogance while others think the security guard overreacted.
Kerubo and Baraza are expected to appear before the committee for questioning.

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