Mutunga says Judiciary becoming synonymous with graft

Chief Justice Dr. Willy Mutunga has decried massive corruption in the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

Speaking during the launch of Wajibu Wetu Movement’s logo launch in Nairobi Thursday evening, Mutunga further revealed the election of representatives of Judges and Magistrates to JSC held two months ago were characterized by massive bribery and other malpractices.

The CJ pointed out that the same JSC commissioners are expected to investigate graft allegations facing Supreme Court Judge Phillip Tunoi.

Mutunga expressed concern that members of the public might soon lose trust in the Judiciary due to the high number of graft allegations.

The CJ, however, called on Kenyans to join the fight against graft without regard to tribe or religion.

The Chief Justice also narrated his pain on how those joining the legal profession were only after wealth.

This comes barely a week after Mutunga confirmed receiving 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 the allegations 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 giving bribes to influence the court ruling.