Isaac Rutto: JSC has received 946 petitions against judges
By Mabonga Makhanu, August 26, 2025Former Bomet Governor and now Judicial Service Commission (JSC) vice Chairman Isaac Rutto has confirmed that the commission has so far received 946 petitions seeking the removal of judges from office, with accusations ranging from corruption to other misconduct.
Speaking during an interview on a local TV station on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, Rutto explained that out of the petitions received, 10 have been forwarded to the president for the appointment of tribunals, while 210 judicial staff members have been dismissed.
He clarified that, unlike judges, judicial staff can be disciplined and dismissed directly by the commission, but judges must go through a tribunal process.
“We have processed around 946 petitions against judges. We have forwarded 10 petitions to the president. For the appointment of a tribunal, we have also dismissed 210 judicial staff from staff. For judicial staff, we can discipline and do everything to completion, but for the judges, they have to go through a tribunal,” Rutto stated.
Rutto noted that the JSC has established procedures for handling such matters and is in the process of formulating regulations to guide the dismissal of judges, with public participation currently underway to ensure transparency.
“We have to understand that we have established procedures for dealing with these things. It’s not about being told that this judge is corrupt. We, as the JSC, go everywhere parading them. We are coming up with regulations, and we are now doing public participation so that the regulations are clearly understood. How do we go through the dismissal of judges?”
Procedure for dismissal of judges
He further stressed that judges are entitled to a fair hearing process, similar to any other citizen, and cannot be dismissed on the basis of hearsay. He emphasised that anyone accusing a judge must present proper evidence and proof of misconduct.
He further took issue with Kenyans who, after judicial officers issue rulings that they are not content with, instead of appealing the ruling, rush to the JSC calling for their removal.
This comes at a time when the judiciary has faced growing accusations of corruption, with increasing calls for accountability and the removal of judges implicated in malpractice.