Judiciary promises independent probe in Justice Tunoi’s graft allegations

The Judiciary has now promised an independent probe on the bribery allegations facing Supreme Court Judge Philip Tunoi.

According to Judiciary’s head of communication Naim Bilal, the Judiciary Service Commission (JSC) says that it will ensure justice is delivered on the matter.

This comes just a day after Chief Justice Dr. Willy Mutunga confirmed to have received an affidavit by a former journalist at Kass FM Geoffrey Kiplagat alleging that Justice Tunoi received Ksh 202 million from Nairobi Governor Dr. Evans Kidero to rule in his favour in an election petition filed by Kabete MP Ferdinand Waititu.

In the affidavit, Kiplagat elaborated how the alleged bribe, in cash, was exchanged between the Governor’s emissaries and the Judge, along Waiyaki Way days before Waititu’s petition challenging Kidero’s election was thrown out.

Justice Tunoi has since denied receiving a bribe from Kidero adding that he has never met or associated with Kiplagat in any way.

The Governor has also denied any interaction with the Judges of the Supreme Court or receiving bribes to influence the court ruling.

On his part, Waititu now wants the judgment on his election petition be reviewed.

Waititu, who spoke in Mombasa, says his call follows revelations of damning bribery allegations against Justice Tunoi.

Transparency International Kenyan Chapter Executive Director Samule Kimeu has also warned JSC against covering up the matter.

Speaking to Hot 96FM, Kimeu further warned that the Judiciary risks losing it’s support among Kenyans if it’s officials are implicated in corruption.

This comes barely two weeks after CJ Mutunga claimed Kenya was a bandit economy, controlled by mafia-style, deep rooted cartels.