Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has initiated an investigation into the purported intimidation, threats, and harassment of Kakamega resident magistrate Gladys Kiama by Mumias East MP, Peter Salasya.
The Commission, in a statement released on Wednesday morning, expressed its deep concern over the alleged acts and announced the deployment of a dedicated team to the area to conduct a thorough investigation.
“The Commission has deployed its team to the ground to conduct further investigations and engage the agencies handling the matter with a view of taking appropriate action in line with its mandate,” JSC noted in a statement.
“The Commission wishes to reiterate that the decisional independence of a Judge or judicial officers must be safeguarded at all times, and when litigants are aggrieved by the decision of the court, they may seek redress through the appellate process.”
The JSC, led Chief Justice Martha Koome also emphasized its commitment to condemning such behavior and assured the public that appropriate action would be taken in accordance with its mandate.
The incident unfolded on Tuesday when reports surfaced of Salasya allegedly intimidating Magistrate Kiama following a judgment in which he was ordered to pay a businessman a sum of Sh500,000, along with accrued interest since December 2022. Magistrate Kiama, in her decision, dismissed Salasya’s counterclaim, deeming it inadequate, implausible, and dissuasive.
The disgruntled MP is said to have confronted Magistrate Kiama outside the local court, expressing his dissatisfaction with the judgment. In response to the alleged remarks, Kiama promptly reported the incident to the police, prompting an investigation to ascertain the details of the confrontation.
In a twist to the unfolding drama, Salasya has taken to social media to vehemently deny the allegations, asserting that he was not present at the location during the reported confrontation.
“Let the Kakamega court and lawyers be informed that we are busy working. As for that woman seeking media attention, let her come, find, and arrest me,” Salasya dared, accusing the court of being corrupt.
The conflicting narratives between the MP and the magistrate have intensified the need for a comprehensive investigation to unravel the truth behind the incident.
The JSC’s decision to intervene underscores the gravity with which such incidents are viewed within the judiciary, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the legal process. As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders will be closely watching for the Commission’s findings and any subsequent actions it deems necessary in this high-profile case that intertwines the realms of politics and the judiciary.
