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Koome swears in tribunal to investigate Judge Kullow's conduct

Chief Justice Martha Koome when she presided over the swearing-in of the chairperson and members of the Tribunal appointed to consider four petitions for the removal of Environment and Land Court Judge Mohammed Noor Kullow from office. (X/ Martha Koome)

By Hanifa Adan | Tuesday, March 12, 2024

The tribunal's main responsibility is to thoroughly investigate the concerns raised in the petitions and submit a comprehensive report outlining recommendations for appropriate action.

Chief Justice Martha Koome on Tuesday oversaw the swearing-in of a 12-member tribunal tasked with addressing four petitions seeking the removal of Justice Mohammed Noor Kullow from office.

The tribunal members include Lady Justice Margaret Njoki Mwangi, Justice Anthony Charo Mrima, Senior Counsel Jinaro Kipkemoiy Kibet, Wanjiru Mwariri, Rukia Abdinasir Mohamed, and Charles Mulila.

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Senior Counsel Dorcas Agik Oduor has officially assumed the role of Legal Counsel, while Jasper Mbiuki and Collins Kiprono have been appointed as joint secretaries. Assistant counsels Emmanuel Omondi Bitta and Georgiadis Majimbo have also taken their oaths.

The tribunal's main responsibility is to thoroughly investigate the concerns raised in the petitions and submit a comprehensive report outlining recommendations for appropriate action. they are tasked with determining whether the allegations against the accused constitute a breach of the Constitution.

The tribunal is mandated to promptly prepare and submit its report and recommendations, exercising the authority granted to it by law.

I presided over the swearing-in of the chairperson and members of the Tribunal appointed to consider four petitions for the removal of Environment and Land Court Judge Mohammed Noor Kullow from office. pic.twitter.com/vathrqLJEB
— Hon. Justice Martha K. Koome, FCIArb, EGH (@CJMarthaKoome) March 12, 2024

On Friday, Judge Kullow was suspended from his position as an Environment and Land Court Judge. He is facing allegations of incompetence, gross misconduct, violation of the Constitution, and breaching the Judicial Service (Code of Conduct and Ethics) Regulations, 2020.

The petitions submitted claim that during his tenure at Narok Law Courts, where he handled approximately 116 cases, he caused delays and failed to deliver the required number of judgments and rulings.

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) presented the petitions to President William Ruto, asserting that constitutional grounds for removal had been substantiated based on their findings. Acting in accordance with Article 168(5)(b) of the Constitution, read in conjunction with Section 31 of the Judicial Service Act, 2011, the President appointed the tribunal.

Article 168(5) stipulates that within 14 days of receiving the petition, the President must suspend the judge from office. Subsequently, the President is obligated to appoint a tribunal, comprising a chairperson and three other members, including one advocate with fifteen years of standing and two individuals with experience in public affairs.