Vetting Board dismisses appeals by five judges

Judges and Magistrates Vetting Board chairman Sharad Rao (left) and vice chairperson Roseline Odede (right) during a news conference March 14, 2013 in Nairobi. The Board dismissed appeals filed by five judges challenging their unsuitability to serve in the Judiciary March 23, 2013. FILE

Appeals filed by five judges challenging their unsuitability to serve in the Judiciary have been dismissed.

The Judges and Magistrates Vetting Board dismissed appeals by Justices Muga Apondi, Joyce Khaminwa, Mary Angawa, Leonard Njagi and Murugi Mugo.

The Board had declared the High Court judges as unsuitable.

However, the judges applied for a review of the decisions.

On Saturday, the Board chaired by Sharad Rao, upheld its earlier declaration to send the judges home.

Justice Nicholas Ombija got a reprieve after the board said he would be vetted afresh.

The judge had initially been found unsuitable.

In fresh vetting by the board, Justice Grace Nzioka was sent home while colleagues Lucy Nyambura, Stephen Kibunjia, Lilian Mutende and Boaz Olao were found suitable to serve.

Magistrate Ezra Omondi was found unsuitable with the board said he was corrupt and had accepted bribes.