Supreme Court Judge Isaac Lenaola has weighed on the ongoing debate on the removal of Supreme Court Judges from office, saying that each case must be handled individually.
Speaking at the University of Embu Moot Court, Lenaola explained that anyone seeking the removal of an apex court judge must present specific evidence against each judge.
He emphasized that such removals should be based on serious grounds rather than social media debates.
Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi has been on a relentless campaign on his X account, calling for the removal of Chief Justice Martha Koome and all Supreme Court judges.
Earlier this year, Havi formally petitioned the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), urging it to push President William Ruto to establish a tribunal to initiate the process of dismissing the seven judges on grounds of gross misconduct.
Justice Isaac Lenaola has emphasized that anyone seeking to remove Supreme Court judges must present specific evidence against an individual judge.
"Misconduct is a personal matter. When we take the oath of office, we do so individually, not collectively. Each judge signs their oath and commits to the judicial code of conduct personally," Lenaola stated.
He further stated that he has no objection to stepping down if it is proven that he is unfit for office.
“I have no problem going home if someone proves that I am bure kabisa (worthless), but the removal of a Supreme Court judge must be on very serious grounds,” Justice Lenaola said.
In a statement released on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) announced that it could not proceed with the removal process for Chief Justice Martha Koome and several Supreme Court judges.
The decision followed court orders issued after eight petitions were filed in the High Court, effectively halting the proceedings.
The CJ and the judges in question are facing removal petitions based on allegations of incompetence, misconduct, and unethical behavior.
