Government transfers magistrates in surprise shake up

Government transfers magistrates in surprise shake-up

From the East African Standard

January 16, 2007

By Judy Ogutu

The Government has transferred several magistrates.

Seven among them were serving in various courts in Nairobi.

Sources at the Judiciary told The Standard that those moved include Senior Principal Magistrate, Mrs Julie Oseko, who was in the limelight last month for sentencing to death three robbers.

The three, Mr Richard Kayago Maeta, Mr Elias Sikuku and Mr Peter Wafula Mulati had attacked Prof Ngugi wa Thiong’o and his wife Njeeri three years ago at Norfolk apartments in Nairobi.

Sources said Oseko had been moved to Molo.

Senior Principal Magistrate, Mrs Margaret Wachira, who is handling the abuse of office case involving suspended Central Bank of Kenya governor, Dr Andrew Mulei, is also said to have been transferred.

Sources said Wachira was moved to Makadara Law Courts.

Mrs Maureen Odero, who is presiding over the inquest into the death of Catholic priest, Fr John Kaiser, is reported to have moved to the Milimani Commercial Courts. She sat at the Nairobi Children’s Court.

But speaking to The Standard on phone, Judiciary spokesman, Mr Dola Indidis, could not confirm the transfers. Others reportedly moved were Makadara acting chief magistrate, Mrs Grace Nzioka, Kibera Senior Principal Magistrate, Mrs Catherine Mwangi, Nyeri Chief Magistrate, Mrs Reuben Nyakundi, among others.