The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has initiated an investigation into corruption allegations within the Judiciary. The probe comes days after Chief Justice Martha Koome raised concerns about bribery involving judicial officers.
EACC Chairperson David Oginde confirmed the inquiry, focusing on three undisclosed judicial stations suspected of facilitating bribery. On Wednesday at the Kenya School of Government during the National Integrity Academic Strategic Plan launch, Oginde emphasized the commission’s commitment to addressing graft in the Judiciary.
“We cannot have people undermining justice. EACC is probing three judicial service stations over bribery allegations. The Chief Justice approached us, citing reports of judicial officers accepting bribes and compromising justice,” Oginde stated. “We will take appropriate action against those found culpable to restore integrity.”
The investigation follows growing pressure from legal professionals, including the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and some advocates, who demand the removal of judges allegedly involved in corruption. Public debate on the Judiciary’s integrity has intensified, further fueled by a long-standing rift between the Supreme Court and lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi, which led to his permanent ban from appearing before the court.
Former LSK President Nelson Havi has called for CJ Koome’s resignation, filing a petition to the Judicial Service Commission seeking the removal of all seven Supreme Court judges for gross misconduct.
In response to the criticism, Koome dismissed calls for her resignation, asserting her commitment to fulfilling her term. “Why would I resign? I was appointed to serve for a tenure, and no valid reason has been provided for me to step down,” she remarked.
