The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has termed the summons issued to Chief Justice Martha Koome and its members by the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ) as unlawful and unwarranted.
In a statement dated Friday, February 28, JSC expressed that it would not be party to the process, stating that the move interfered with its independent mandate.
The Commission added that the CAJ did not have any powers to summon JSC members.
"Such reckless conduct undermines the rule of law, erodes public confidence in independent institutions, and disrupts the crucial work of the Judiciary, The JSC will not be coerced or intimidated into submitting to an unconstitutional process. It remains steadfast in protecting judicial independence and ensuring that all engagements with other institutions are conducted within the confines of the law.
"The JSC will take all necessary steps to defend its constitutional authority and will not tolerate any attempts. to undermine its independence," read the statement in part.
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Meanwhile, JSC reiterated that it had availed all relevant information that had been sought by the CAJ in relation to the petitions filed against judicial officers.
"On 3rd February 2025, the CAJ requested an update on 700 complaints of maladministration against the Judiciary that it had received since 2019. In response, the Judiciary, through a letter dated 17th February 2025, provided a comprehensive status update on each of these complaints, accompanied by a detailed report outlining their resolution.
"These facts underscore the Judiciary's dedication to accountability, rendering CAJ's demands both unnecessary and misleading," JSC added.
In earlier summons issued by CAJ chairperson Charles Dulo, it was alleged that JSC failed to meet a 21-day deadline given to it on the provision of the information.
Consequently, Koome and her colleagues from JSC were summoned to appear before the Commission on March 24 and March 25 without fail.
