Tuesday, January 10, 2012

JSC to give verdict on Baraza’s conduct on Friday




Written By:Carol Gakii/Lempaa Suyianka/Claire Wanja,    Posted: Mon, Jan 09, 2012
Mutunga promised that the Commission will handle the matter with utmost fairness, independence, and fidelity to the constitution
The Judicial Service Commission has Monday formed a sub-committee to look into Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza's gun drama at village market and report back by Friday.
Addressing journalists after a JSC consultation meeting, Chief Justice Willy Dr Mutunga said that other reports and any evidence submitted by members of the public will form part of the basis by which the committee will make its recommendations.
Mutunga promised that the Commission will handle the matter with utmost fairness, independence, and fidelity to the constitution.
Security guard Rebecca Morara Kerubo who made the allegations against the Deputy CJ, is expected to be a key witness to appear before the seven member sub-committee chaired by Rev. Samuel Kobia.
The committee shall among other things receive and interrogate any available evidence regarding the matter.
Other members of the sub-committee are JSC chairlady Christine Mango, Justice Isaac Lenaola, Florence Mwangangi, Ahamednasir Abdullahi, Titus Gateere, Emily Ominde and Gladys Sholei. 
Baraza has acknowledged the incident statement saying she had received security threats since her appointment and that she was concerned for her safety.
Lady Justice Baraza is also accused of pinching the security guard's nose.
Baraza was grilled at the Criminal Investigation Department headquarters in Nairobi on Saturday, seven days after a guard at the Village Market shopping mall, lodged a complaint that the DCJ had assaulted her and threatened her with a gun.
CID boss Ndegwa Muhoro said the outcome of investigations into claims would be ready by the end of the week.
Chief Justice Willy Mutunga on Thursday called an emergency session of the Judicial Service Commission to discuss the matter Monday afternoon.
On Wednesday, Ms Baraza denied threatening, Rebecca Kerubo, with a gun during a scuffle at the mall, however admitting there was a confrontation with the guard. Dr Mutunga directed the matter be dealt with conclusively and satisfactorily.
Meanwhile, the National Youth Council leaders Monday held peaceful demonstrations demanding the resignation of Deputy Chief Justice (CJ) Nancy Baraza.
Led by William Momanyi, a youth developer, the leaders said that Kenyans had lost faith in Baraza's ability to deliver.
"We have lost faith and trust in her and we do not think that she has our best interest in protecting our rights," said Momanyi.
This comes after an incident last week where the deputy CJ allegedly threatened Rebecca Kerubo, a security guard at the Village Market with a gun.
Momanyi said that it was irresponsible of the deputy CJ, adding that it was abuse of power.
"A person holding such a high office should lead by example and not misuse the powers given to her in intimidating the ‘common mwananchi'," added Momanyi.
The group later presented a protest letter to Chief Justice Dr. Willy Mutunga.

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