How Mwilu ouster will affect the courts

Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Legal experts have warned of a crisis in the Judiciary following the decision by a Meru court to suspend Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu.

High Court Judge Patrick Otieno’s shock ruling on Friday following a petition by a Meru resident, however, won praise from other quarters. They argue that the judge was right to order Justice Mwilu to step aside until she clears her name over allegations of misconduct and abuse of office.

Justice Otieno ordered Mwilu to step aside from occupying the DCJ office, sitting as a Supreme Court judge, sitting as a member of the Judicial Service Commission and holding the position of Judiciary Ombudsperson pending determination of the suit filed by Isaiah Mwongela.