A judge from the Environment and Land Court is facing potential removal from office due to allegations of gross misconduct and incompetence, along with accusations of violating the Judicial Service Code of Conduct.
On Wednesday, March 06, Chief Justice Martha Koome announced that the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) received five petitions asking for the removal of Justice Mohammed Noor Kullow.
The JSC initiated proceedings against the judge on May 31, 2023, based on allegations of excessively delaying or failing to deliver rulings or judgments in 116 cases.
After review, a panel was appointed to consider the petitions presented a report to the JSC on February 22, 2024.
“The Commission was satisfied that three out of the five petitions, as well as the proceedings initiated by the Commission, disclosed grounds for the removal of the judge from office due to gross misconduct, incompetence, and violation of the Judicial Service Code of Conduct,” Koome explained.
However, two petitions were dismissed for failing to provide sufficient grounds for removal.
As a result of the decision, the JSC has petitioned President William Ruto to appoint a tribunal in accordance with Article 168 (4) and (5) of the Constitution.
The president is required to suspend Justice Kullow from office within 14 days of receiving the petition. The tribunal will consist of a chairperson and three other members, including one advocate with at least fifteen years of experience and two individuals with expertise in public affairs.
