An activist has filed a petition at the Judicial Service Commission seeking for the removal of Chief Justice Martha Koome from office.
Michael Kojo Otieno says the CJ should be removed for failing to exhibit respect to the rule of Law, comply with the Law and act in a manner that promote public confidence.
Otieno has faulted the decision by the CJ to appoint 22 members to the Tac Appeal Tribunal which he says was contrary to the law.
The petitioner stated that the above action shows how the chief justice of the republic of Kenya disregarded the rule of law, natural justice and failing to take administrative actions which are lawful, fair, procedural and expeditious in appointments of the above named persons to serve as Tax Appeal tribunal members.
“While appointing persons to serve at the tax appeal tribunal, the Chief Justice failed to be honest in execution of powers conferred to her by the Tax Appeal Tribunal Act based on powers conferred to her as a judicial officer contrary to rule 12(1) of the judicial officers code of conduct hence unfit to hold the office of a judge,” reads court papers.
Otieno further says that CJ Koome has failed the test of being selfless based solely on the public interest being demonstrated with honesty in the execution of public duties while appointing the members of the Tax Appeal Tribunal.
He claims that The members were appointed to the tribunal using a non-existent provision of the law.
The members appointed include Elisha Njeru, Kadzo Ngala Delilah, Cheluget Edwin Kiprono, Tanvir Ali Mohsin, Mutuma Robert Mugambi, Karingo Jephthah Njagi, Mukuha Grace Gathoni, Oluoch Rodney Odhiambo, Kibet Abraham Kiprotich, Mayaka Cynthia Boundi, Ogaga Gloria Awuor, Ongeti Walter Juma, Ololchike Sankale Spencer, Diriye Abdullahi Mohamed, Vikiru Timothy Bunyal, Komolo Erick Onyango, Kashindi George Ashiono, Ng’anga’ Eunice Njeri,Muga Christine Anyango,Terer Boniface Kibiy, Makau Martin Mutiso James and Bernadette Muthira Gitari .