Two Kenya High Court judges to be screened afresh

Judges and Magistrates Vetting Board Chairman Sharad Rao gives a progress report on the exercise yesterday.  [PHOTO: WILBERFORCE OKWIRI/STANDARD]

By ISAIAH LUCHELI

Two High Court judges who had been found to be unsuitable to hold office will be vetted afresh.

Justices Abida Ali Aroni and Nicholas Ombija, according to Judges and Magistrates Vetting Board Chairman Sharad Rao, will be vetted afresh after the board accepted their appeal.

He also revealed that Justice Joseph Sergon, who had been found unsuitable by the board during an earlier vetting, had been reinstated following a successful appeal against the verdict.

Justice Ombija who is remembered for his brave ruling that ordered for the arrest of Sudan President Omar Al-Bashir was accused of refusing to disqualify himself from a case involving a bank he had acted for while in private practice.

The accusations

He also faced accusations of sexual harassment of an advocate, unfairness and a complaint related to a land transaction. 

The judge denied the allegations but the board concluded that his temperament outweighed his many good qualities.

Justice Abida Ali Aroni was found to be unfit to continue serving due to her temperament.

For Justice Sergon, he had been found unsuitable following allegations that he had failed to inform one of his clients that judgment had been entered in her favour for Sh 550,000 and also issued cheques that were dishonoured.

However, Justice Sergon appealed the decision of the board and got back his job.

Rao, while making the announcement, explained that the board was facing a challenge in vetting the 244 magistrates as they were in far-flung stations.