Isaac Lenaola to lead five-judge bench to rule on pleas by sacked judges in March

NAIROBI: A five-judge bench will on March 6, this year, deliver its decision on whether they will go against the Supreme Court and hear separately cases filed by sacked judges.

The bench led by Justice Isaac Lenaola will decide whether the cases filed by the sacked judges, who are challenging a decision by the Judges and Magistrates Vetting Board, will be heard while consolidated as directed by the Supreme Court.

The 10 aggrieved judges have argued their cases through their lawyers, seeking to have the High Court hear each of the petitions separately and on merit.

Supreme Court

Lawyer Stephen Mwenesi told the court during submissions that the order by the Supreme Court should not bind the parties that were not involved in the matter before the higher court.

Lawyer John Khaminwa representing the Late Justice Joyce Khaminwa seconded him, saying that the decision by the highest court was wrong and actually miscarriage of justice.

"I hope that each petition is given to a judge to hear it on its own merit and not to come up with a blanket order as suggested by the Supreme Court," he said.

Their sentiments were supported by lawyer Fred Ojiambo who said that the High Court has the jurisdiction to hear and determine the cases separately.