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The Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ) has summoned Chief Justice Martha Koome and members of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) over their failure to publish complaints filed against judicial officers.

In a statement released on Friday, February 28, CAJ chairperson Charles Dulo announced that the summons require Koome and JSC members to appear before the commission on March 24 and March 25. 

The move comes after the JSC and Judiciary failed to comply with directives regarding the resolution and publication of complaints against judges, judicial officers, and judiciary staff.

"As an accountability institution established under the Constitution to ensure compliance with constitutional values and principles in terms of administrative justice and access to information, the Commission on Administrative Justice (Office of the Ombudsman) has today issued summonses to members of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to compel their appearance before the Commission on 24th March 2025 and 25th March 2025 at 10.00 am," the statement read in part.

Among those summoned alongside CJ Koome are Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, Justice Mohammed Ibrahim, Justice Fatuma Sichale, Justice Antony Mrima, Isaac Rutto, Everlyne Olwande, Omwanza Ombati, Caroline Nzilani Ajuoga, and Jacqueline Ingutiah.

According to CAJ, the failure by JSC to act on complaints or publish them goes against principles of accountability and transparency. 

The commission emphasized that all public and state officers must comply with legal directives.

"This unprecedented action stems from the failure by JSC and the Judiciary to comply with the directives of the Commission regarding the resolution and publication of complaints of maladministration against judges, judicial officers, and staff of the Judiciary," CAJ chairperson Dulo stated.

Dulo further explained that the decision was not taken lightly and reaffirmed CAJ’s commitment to ensuring accountability in public institutions. 

He warned that failure to follow due process would not be tolerated.

"The Commission reaffirms its unflinching resolve to deal firmly and fairly with public and state officers who disobey its directives in the performance of their constitutional mandate. 

We will not hesitate to call out any impunity or 'ufado' attitude on the part of such officers," he added.

The Judiciary and JSC are now under pressure to explain their failure to act on complaints and ensure transparency in handling judicial misconduct cases.