By Lauryne Akoth
The Judicial Service Commission has resolved to dismiss Hon Patrick Wambugu from service due to gross misconduct.
The disciplinary action was taken against the judge after the completion of investigations by JSC. The magistrate was accused of irregularly altering bond terms that led to the release of an accused person charged with the defilement of a six-year-old minor.
According to the press statement released by the JSC dated 5th March, the Chief Justice said, “At the same time, in the discharge of its disciplinary mandate over Judicial officers and staff under Article 172 (2) (c) of the Constitution, the Commission resolved to dismiss Hon. Mr Patrick Wambugu, Principal Magistrate from service for gross misconduct.”
Magistrate Wambugu faced disciplinary action from the commission, however, he wasn’t the sole judge targeted in response to complaints. Justice Mohammed Noor Kullow also encountered trouble, as the commission identified sufficient grounds for his potential removal from office based on the complaints received.
JSC received a total of five petitions for the removal of Justice Mohammed Noor Kullow from office, as a judge in the Environment and Land court. According to the press statement, the commission initiated proceedings for the removal of the judge on 31st May 2023, for inordinately delaying and failing to deliver judgments in a total of 116 matters.
“Consequently, the commission appointed a panel to consider the petitions provided under the Judicial Service Act No. 1 of 2011. The panel presented its Reports to the Commission on 22nd February 2024.
“The Commission was satisfied that 3 out of the 5 Petitionsands the proceedings at the Commission’s motion had disclosed grounds for removing Hon. Justice Kullow from office over gross misconduct; incompetence and violation of the Judicial Service Code of Conduct. Two Petitions were dismissed for failure to disclose sufficient grounds for removal,” read the statement in part.
The commission also reiterated its commitment to carry out its bestowed mandate by the law and the constitution.