How Mike Sonko’s Expose led to the Removal of Justice Said Chitembwe

High court judge Justice Said Juma Chitembwe is a man whose fate is sealed after the tribunal that was investigating his conduct recommended his ouster.

The tribunal presented its findings to the president at Statehouse Nairobi on Tuesday afternoon

The president Thanked the tribunal for expediting its work promising to do what is mandated of him by the constitution.

The Head of State said the Constitution remains the guiding principle for all those who have been given the responsibility to serve Kenyans.

"I want to remind Kenyans that there are mechanisms to take care of any situation where someone is believed to have acted in contravention of the law while discharging public duties," said President Ruto.

The President said he will act on the recommendations of the tribunal.

"I will do what the Constitution expects of me, " said the President.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta suspended Justice Chitembwe last year and formed a tribunal to investigate his alleged misconduct on the recommendations of the judicial service commission. 

The investigations followed petitions filed against the judge, including by former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko.

Sonko brought the name of Chitembwe into the court of public opinion in 2020 during his impeachment as he accused him of being compromised in the cases he was handling.

The former Nairobi Governor shared videos online of Chitembwe engaging in conversations involving exchange of money to rule in favor of people who bribe him

However, Chitemebwe denied the allegations accusing Sonko of having a personal vendetta against him.

Other petitions filed were by Francis Wambua who accused justice Chitembwe of gross judicial misconduct that include discussing the merits of a matter pending in court, with third parties.

The tribunal was led by Lady Justice Mumbi Ngugi.

Other members of the tribunal included Senior Counsel Fred Ojiambo, Justice Abida Ali Aroni,Justice Nzioki wa Makau, James Ochieng’ Oduol, Retired General Jackson Ndung’u and Dr Lydia Nzomo.