Suspended Supreme Court Judge Jackton Ojwang has opted to face a tribunal formed by President Uhuru Kenyatta which will investigate his alleged misconduct and bribery claims.
Prof Ojwang, South Nyanza LSK boss Wilkins Ochoki said, had the option of resigning from the bench or facing the tribunal after it was constituted by the president.
Ojwang on Wednesday appointed constitutional lawyer Nani Mungai to head his defence team, reports the Nation.
It is reported that before the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) recommended the formation of a tribunal, Justice Ojwang reportedly declined to appear before the team to shed some light on the bribery allegations.
Already, JSC members are crying foul with some linking the ongoing smear campaigns on social media about their character to the suspension of Prof Ojwang.
“From the rigorous campaigns against JSC members, it’s evident that corruption is fighting back,” said JSC vice-chairperson Mercy Deche.
“Personally, I have been slandered for being associated with the legal woes facing the estate of the late Vice-President Kijana Wamalwa. I was never a lawyer for any of the parties. The advocates in the case can be ascertained from the court file,” Mrs Deche said.
Similar sentiments were shared by commissioner Olive Mugenda, who however insisted that the commission will continue executing its duties without fear.
Ojwang's fate now lies on the Alnasir Visram-led tribunal which will decide whether or not to have him sacked from the Judiciary. Ojwang set to retire in 2020.