Tribunal to probe Justice Tunoi bribery claim sworn in

Mr Sharad Rao, the chairman of a tribunal that will investigate the conduct of Justice Philip Tunoi, addresses journalists after he was sworn in at the Supreme Court on March 2, 2016. PHOTO | ROBERT NGUGI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Six members of a tribunal appointed to investigate bribery claims against suspended Supreme Court Judge Philip Tunoi have been sworn in.

The chairman of the tribunal, Mr Sharad Rao, Justice Roseline Korir, Ms Judith Guserwa, Mr James Kaberere Gacoka, Mr Abdirashid Abdullahi Hussein and Mr George Munji Wakukha were sworn in by Chief Justice Willy Mutunga at the Supreme Court on Wednesday.

After he was sworn in, Mr Rao dismissed allegations that he is not qualified to chair the tribunal, saying that he is fit to steer the investigations.

“Requirements for a person to chair a tribunal to investigate a judge are very clear; those saying that my age does not allow me to chair the tribunal are misguided. That issue is now settled and we are looking forward to conducting fair and just proceedings,” said Mr Rao.

The seventh member of the tribunal, retired Justice Jonathan Havelock was, however, not present, but Mr Rao said he had sent his apologies and would be sworn in Thursday

The tribunal was formed by President Uhuru Kenyatta to investigate claims that Justice Tunoi received a Sh200 million bribe to influence an election petition filed against Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero by Mr Ferdinand Waititu, now the Kebete MP.