CJ appoints judge to head anti-corruption court

Justice Hedwig Ong’undi Imbosa will head the new anti-corruption and economic crimes division of the High Court.

She will be the presiding judge of the newly established section, in appointments made by Chief Justice Willy Mutunga on Tuesday.

Justice Lydia Achode will serve as her deputy. They will lead a team of 10 magistrates starting next month.

The magistrates include: Litizia Wachira, Martha Mutuku, Liz Gicheha, Godfrey Oduor, Rose Makungu, Jared Magori, Anne Mwangi, Peter Ooko and Florence Macharia.

The Chief Justice appointed the 10 magistrates last December shortly after the creation of the division, which is intended to efficiently deal with the increased workload on corruption matters

While making the two appointments, Dr Mutunga called on all players, including investigators, prosecutors, lawyers and the courts in general, to do their roles as required.

“It is only through informed vigilance and evaluation of each actor’s role that we shall promote efficiency, accountability as well as expedite justice in Kenya,” Dr Mutunga said.

COURT DIVISIONS

Other existing divisions of the High Court include criminal, civil, constitutional and human rights and judicial review.

The others are commercial and tax, family, environment and lands, and employment and labour relations.

Justice Ong’undi was the resident judge in Kericho and is also the Kenya Judges and Magistrates Association (KMJA) president in the Judicial Service Commission.

She was elected to the president’s position last December at the KMJA’s annual general meeting.

Justice Achode has been serving at the family division of the High Court in Nairobi.

Corruption matters have previously been handled by a section of the magistrate’s court.