Judge Who Suspended Ruto's Finance Act Among 13 Judges Transferred

High Court Judge Principal Judge Eric Ogolla has transferred Lady Justice Mugure Thande who suspended President William Ruto's Finance Act 2023, among 13 judges moved in the latest Judiciary reshuffle.

Justice Thande was on Tuesday, August 8 moved to the Malindi High Court from the Milimani Constitutional and Human Rights Division where she was serving.

She was replaced by Justice Chacha Mwita, who will be the Presiding Judge at the Milimani Constitutional and Human Rights Division.

Other changes included High Court Justice David Majanja who is the presiding judge in the petitions challenging the Finance Act.

He was moved from the Commercial and Tax Division to the Civil Division which is responsible for hearing and determining civil cases, including contract disputes and tort claims.

"The Judicial Service Commission is mandated to promote and facilitate the independence and accountability of the Judiciary and the efficient, effective and transparent administration of justice under Article 172 of the Constitution," the statement read in parts. 

In his new role, Majanja will also hear and determine cases on property disputes, family law matters, employment law matters and constitutional law matters of civil nature.

Other Changes

Nakuru High Court will be presided over by Lady Justice Hedwig Ong'undi who was moved from the Constitutional and Human Rights Division at Milimani.

Justice Hillary Chemitei was moved from Nakuru High Court to the Family Division while Lady Justice Maureen Odero was transferred from Family Court to Nyeri High Court.

Lady Justice Florence Muchemi was moved from Nyeri High Court to Thika High Court where she will be the Presiding Judge (PJ).

Lady Justice Diana Rachel Kavedza was moved from Milimani-Criminal Division to Kibra & Kahawa Law Courts while Lady Justice Patricia Gichohi was moved from Kisii High Court to Nakuru High Court.

Ogolla also transferred Lady Justice Teresa Odera from Nakuru High Court to Kisii High Court while Justice Peter Mulwa was moved from Kiambu High Court to the Commercial and Tax Division at Milimani in Nairobi. 

Justice Aleem Vishram was moved from Milimani-Civil Division to Milimani Commercial and Tax Division while Lady Justice Lilian Mutende was nominated as the Civil Society Organisation (CSO) chair.

The Judiciary Building in Nairobi. /FILE