Nelson Havi Pushes for Removal of CJ Martha Koome and All Supreme Court Judges
Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi has filed a petition with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), seeking the removal of all seven Supreme Court judges.
In the petition filed on Monday, January 13, Havi requested the JSC to urge President William Ruto to establish a tribunal to investigate the judges over alleged gross misconduct and other issues.
“I swear this affidavit in support of the complaint against Justices Martha Karambu Koome, Philomena Mbete Mwilu, Mohammed Khadar Ibrahim, (Dr) Smokin C Wanjala, Njoki Ndungu, Isaac Lenaola, and William Ouko. I ask the Judicial Service Commission to recommend the formation of a tribunal for their removal,” the affidavit read.
This action follows Havi’s earlier ultimatum on January 12, where he gave six judges 24 hours to support his call for Chief Justice Martha Koome’s resignation or face similar demands for dismissal.
“The deadline for CJ Martha Koome to resign is January 14, 2025. The six other judges can persuade her to step down. If not, all seven must go. They have until 9:00 am tomorrow,” Havi warned.
Havi accused CJ Koome of failing to provide strong leadership and direction, comparing her unfavorably to former Chief Justice Evans Gicheru.
“Unlike Hon. Mr. Justice Evans Gicheru, Hon. Lady Justice Martha Karambu Koome has not demonstrated the leadership expected of a Chief Justice,” he stated.
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Havi also referenced a 2022 Supreme Court decision that he claimed barred him, Ahmednasir Abdullahi SC, and Esther Ang’awa from appearing before the judges or winning cases they handled.
“On March 31, 2022, the Supreme Court judges, led by CJ Koome, decided that Ahmednasir Abdullahi SC and I should not appear before them, or we must lose any case we represent. We stayed away from the presidential election petition to comply with their directive,” he alleged.
Citing alleged corruption and questionable rulings, Havi, alongside other senior lawyers, has long advocated for CJ Koome’s resignation. However, he expressed personal conflict regarding his petition due to his close relationship with one of the judges.
“One of the seven judges is my mother and client. Despite her likely lack of direct involvement in the controversial rulings, she failed to act as Hon. Justice Evans Gicheru would have in similar circumstances,” he noted.
Havi’s petition intensifies scrutiny of the judiciary amid ongoing allegations of corruption and misconduct at the Supreme Court.
Nelson Havi Pushes for Removal of CJ Martha Koome and All Supreme Court Judges
