This archive report was first published on 28 June 2021.
On June 28, 2021, President Uhuru Kenyatta's decision to reject the appointment of six judges sparked two petitions, which have now been consolidated for hearing.
Chief Justice Martha Koome has appointed a bench of three judges, comprising James Wakiaga, George Dulu, and William Musyoka, to determine the petitions filed by Katiba Institute and Dr. Benjamin Magare Gikenyi.
The six judges rejected by President Kenyatta include High Court judges Aggrey Muchelule, Weldon Korir, George Odunga, and Prof. Joel Ngugi, as well as Mombasa chief Magistrate Charles Kinango and High Court Registrar Judy Omange.
The petitioners allege that President Kenyatta acted against the constitution and in a biased manner by rejecting the six judges, citing integrity issues.
High Court Judge James Makau has issued an order stopping the formation of a Tribunal to investigate the six judges and halting any investigations arising from the president's decision pending hearing and determination of the petitions.
The decision was condemned by the Law Society of Kenya and the Judicial Service Commission, which urged President Kenyatta to reconsider his decision.
