MPs suspend Shollei case probe
Chief Registrar Gladys Shollei addresses the Press outside the Supreme Court after she was sent on leave on August 19, 2013. MPs have put off investigations into forced leave of Judiciary Chief Registrar Gladys Shollei after the Judicial Service Commission failed to appear before it Thursday. FILE
What you need to know:
- Lawyer Paul Muite, who represents the JSC with Mr Issa Mansur, confirmed that the petition was to be withdrawn. Speaking to the Nation by phone, he added that the JSC would continue with its investigations.
MPs have put off investigations into forced leave of Judiciary Chief Registrar Gladys Shollei after the Judicial Service Commission failed to appear before it Thursday.
Chief Justice Willy Mutunga and 10 members of commission failed to appear before the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee as ordered, and instead wrote to the National Assembly restating their earlier position on the summon.
JSC also appeared to be warning the committee against conducting proceedings on Mrs Shollei’s case, which was filed in court on Monday.
“As indicated in the said letter, we wish to reiterate the matter is sub-judice and attached is a copy of the court order served on us,” the letter addressed to the National Assembly Clerk Justin Bundi read in part.
Thursday 18 members of the House team chaired by Ainabkoi MP Samuel Chepkonga turned up for the meeting at Continental House but after waiting for over one hour, Mr Bundi’s notified them of the JSC letter.
Today, Mrs Shollei’s lawyers and those of the JSC are set to register their agreement on an out-of-court settlement they have been negotiating.
Mrs Shollei’s lawyer, Mr Donald Kipkorir, yesterday said they had reached a deal with her employer.
“We wish to inform the public that Gladys Boss Shollei, the Chief Registrar, Judiciary, and the Judicial Service Commission have reached settlement that protects their respective rights and mandate, and also the integrity of the Judiciary,” Mr Kipkorir said in a statement from his law firm.
Lawyer Paul Muite, who represents the JSC with Mr Issa Mansur, confirmed that the petition was to be withdrawn. Speaking to the Nation by phone, he added that the JSC would continue with its investigations.
The MPs have been investigating the handling of the case, in which Mrs Shollei was sent on a 15-day compulsory leave to pave the way for investigations into various allegations levelled against her.
Mr Chepkonga insisted that his committee had powers to summon JSC. “We will, however, proceed with investigations into the acquisition of a house in Mombasa and the renovation of the Milimani courts for which this committee will summon JSC to appear here,” he said.
