In a bid to prevent his ouster from the Judiciary, Justice Said Chitembwe refuted the evidence against him that was provided by former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.
The High Court Judge through his lawyer Peter Wena raised 12 grounds of appeal in a last-ditch effort to save himself.
Chitembwe while making his appeal to the Supreme Court accused Sonko of doctoring evidence to implicate him.
“The Judge Mumbi-led tribunal was wrong to recommend that I should be sacked from the Judiciary.
“This is because they relied on video and cell phone recordings by Sonko which were fake because Sonko had coached the witnesses on what to say prior to the recordings,” he defended himself.
The Judge revealed that he was an unfortunate victim of Sonko who took advantage of their distant relationship to plan an elaborate plan that would see his downfall.
He further added that the evidence provided to the tribunal was illegally obtained and was inadmissible as evidence.
Chitembwe in his filing alleged that the former governor was on a revenge mission.
He alleged that his sour relationship with Sonko started when he led a three judges bench that upheld his impeachment by the Nairobi County Assembly.
“It was an injustice when the tribunal failed to find that the video and audio recordings were modified and edited by Sonko who was on a revenge mission,” the suspended Judge defended himself.
Chitembwe further refuted evidence that he met Sonko to strike a deal for a piece of land in Kwale.
“We want a declaration that the findings and recommendations to President William Ruto that Justice Chitembwe should be removed from office be quashed and an order that the judge resumes his duties as a judge of the High Court,” Wena pleaded for his client.
On February 7, the President received recommendations from a special tribunal that had been formed by his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta to investigate if Chitembwe was fit to hold office.
“The tribunal unanimously found that judge Chitembwe breached the Constitution while discharging his duties,” remarked Justice Ngugi who was leading the tribunal.
Ruto while receiving the report remarked that he would comply with the applicable laws and the constitution.
On February 15, Chitembwe announced that he would challenge the tribunal recommendations at the Supreme Court.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE
