At 69, Supreme Court Judge Jackton Ojwang' is just one year shy of his retirement but the tribulations facing him could have him hounded out of office unceremoniously.
In a gazette notice, President Kenyatta appointed Court of Appeal Judge Alnashir Visram as the chairperson of the tribunal. The members of the tribunal include Justice (Rtd.) Festus Azangalala, lawyer Ambrose Weda, Andrew Bahati Mwamuye, Senior Counsel Lucy Kambuni, Sylvia Wanjiku Muchiri and Amina Abdalla.
A section of Migori residents convinced Judicial Service Commission that the veteran judge had been bribed by Migori Governor Okoth Obado in a case involving Sony Sugar Company to make favourable judgment.
In return, they argued, Obado did a road connecting to Ojwang' rural home. The governor has since denied the claims. At Migori, his employees recognise him as a man of few words. He also comes home only in December Holidays.
“The boss and his wife, Prof Colleta Suda were here during December holidays. When he comes, you may not notice his presence because he is a man of few words,” said the employee.
While residents claim that Ojwang' home is guarded by Administration Police, when the Nation team visited only employees were present. He's facing serious bribery allegations that could end his career.
Judicial Service Commission found reasons why Ojwang'had to face a tribunal, which may or may not rule in his favor. He declined to appear before the commission.
The JSC said, "The commission found that the petition disclosed sufficient ground to warrant a recommendation to the President to set up a tribunal for the removal of Justice Ojwang and accordingly adopted it."