Tribunal recommends removal of Judge in Kamlesh Pattni case

The Judicial tribunal investigating the conduct of suspended High Court Judge, Joseph Mutava, has recommended that he be removed from office for gross misconduct.

The report was presented to President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi, by the tribunal led by its Chairperson, Justice David Maraga and Vice Chair, Mrs Jedidah Ntoyai.

Mutava is accused of clearing businessman Kamlesh Pattni of charges in relation to the Goldenberg scandal, in which the country lost billions of shillings in dubious transactions.

Early September, Mutava defended himself against claims saying that he followed the procedure and found no criminal culpability on the part of Kamlesh Pattni.

Mutava wanted the tribunal to exonerate him and allow him to resume his duties at the law courts.

He said the tribunal should accord him alternative or less drastic disciplinary measures as opposed to removal from office.

In his final submissions, the judge said that the allegations of misconduct and misbehavior have not been substantiated and lack sufficient gravity to warrant his removal from office.

Other members of the tribunal who accompanied Justice Magara were Lady Justice Maureen Odero, Justice David Majanja, Mr Omesh Kapila, Prof. Patricia Kameri-Mbote, Mr Lawrence Mute, and Joint Secretaries Ms Mugure Gituro  and Mr Tom Nyamorata.