JSC recommends Judge Ojwang conduct probed by tribunal

The fate of Supreme Court Judge Jackton Ojwang’ hangs in the balance after the Judicial Service Commission recommended the formation of a tribunal by President Uhuru Kenyatta to investigate his conduct.

Chief Justice David Maraga says the Judicial Service Commission reached the decision after receiving strong evidence implicating the Judge in gross misconduct, abuse of office and corruption in a case involving Migori Governor Okoth Obado.

In a statement delivered by Chief Justice David Maraga, the Judicial Service Commission says it has admitted a petition seeking removal of Justice Jackton Ojwang’.

The decision by the commission coming barely hours after Justice Ojwang’ refused to appear before the JSC arguing that the law gives him the immunity from the commissions’ scrutiny.

In the petition filed by nine petitioners, Justice Ojwang’ is accused of misconduct, impropriety, conflict of interest and breach of the judicial code of conduct.

The judge is accused of manipulating judgment to favour Sony Sugar company and in return was rewarded by Migori Governor Okoth Obado who built a road to his private residence on the outskirts of Migori town.

Judge Ojwang is further accused alongside Justices Mohamed Ibrahim and Njoki Ndung’u of presiding over cases despite a pending disciplinary matter.

Article 168 sub-article 5 of the constitution requires the president to establish a tribunal within 14 days to probe judge Ojwang’ and suspend him for the period of investigations.

He will, however, will be accorded an opportunity to be heard and be represented by his lawyers.