Nominated Senator Janet Ong’era has now challenged the Chief Justice Willy Mutunga to own corruption allegations that have rocked the judiciary in the recent weeks and resign to save the image of the justice department.
Her statement comes few days after Supreme Court Judge Philip Tonui is battling to clear his name after he was alleged to have received bribes from Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero to rule in his favour an election petition filed by Kabete MP Ferdinand Waititu.
Ms Ong’era who was speaking in Kisii town on Sunday said the corruption allegations in the judiciary were detrimental in the administration of justice and called for resignation of Dr Mutunga to save his reputation.
“Willy (Mutunga) has been on the right side of history and I see his great reputation being tainted. He should now be courageous enough and own the corruption allegations rocking the judiciary and resign as president of Supreme court and JSCV chair,” she said.
According to the ODM nominated senator, the resignation will allow a fresh mind to take over and continue with the reforms the CJ has being executing since his appointment.
“He is a man of integrity and as a lawyer; I don’t want a man of such caliber to lead the highest court that has faced numerous accusations in the recent weeks. It’s not just the Supreme Court but there are other disturbing cases like that of skewed tendering in which former register Gladys Shollei is linked. The CJ should go for early retirement by resigning to pave way for other people,” she said.
She, however, lauded the chief justice for leading a number of critical reforms in the judiciary citing expedition of justice and renovation of courts as major achievements.
“I have known the CJ for years and I think the corruption allegations against people whom seats in the same bench with him could taint his image. He has spearheaded a number of reforms and it’s time for him to resign because as his colleague, I don’t want him to lead a judiciary that is being accused of corruption. Hope he will listen to my advice,” she said.