The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has launched an inquiry into bribery allegations involving a sitting judge amid mounting social media outcry and public pressure.
In an official statement issued on Monday, 22 September, the commission confirmed that it had taken note of the circulating claims and assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted before any action is taken.
“The Judicial Service Commission has noted allegations of bribery against a judge that have been circulating on social media,” the statement read.
“In this regard, the Commission has commenced investigations into the matter and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to uphold integrity and ensure accountability within the Judiciary, in full adherence to the rule of law.”
The controversy erupted on Sunday when former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi publicly accused a judge of accepting bribes amounting to millions. Havi alleged that the judge received illicit payments to invalidate critical documents in a case, only for the prosecution witness involved to later demand a refund.
“I am told that all his orders are couched in these terms. Where does he derive the power to declare documents filed out of time null and void? Did some of these Judges ever practice law before being appointed to the Bench?” Havi questioned on X.
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The lawyer did not stop there. On the following day, 22 September, Havi targeted another judge, this time a female, branding her as “the most corrupt in the country.”
According to him, she had developed a disturbing habit of delivering clear rulings, only to reverse them after allegedly receiving bribes.
“She issues a straightforward judgment, and on being approached, she overturns it with a ruling on stay pending appeal. Of course, we don’t have an RTGS or cash receipt for the bribe, but the fingerprints are all over the treated notes,” Havi said.
Havi supported his claims with a petition and accompanying documents, including letters from the party who purportedly paid the bribe but later sought reimbursement. This evidence has added weight to the ongoing concerns about judicial conduct and corruption.
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