Calls for accountability within Kenya’s judiciary have intensified after Senior Counsel Nelson Havi publicly demanded action against High Court Judge Josephine Mongare over claims linked to an alleged bribery scheme.
In a post shared on X, Havi alleged that former judge Joseph Mutava admitted to receiving a bribe on behalf of Justice Mongare.
According to Havi, the alleged confession raises serious questions about integrity within the courts and requires urgent attention from oversight bodies.
The accusations follow recent arrests connected to an investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission. Reports indicate that Mutava and several associates were detained over claims that they attempted to solicit money linked to a sensitive property dispute case.
Authorities are still examining the details of the alleged scheme.
The dispute at the center of the controversy involves properties in Karen belonging to former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju. The matter has been handled in the Commercial Division of the High Court of Kenya, where Justice Mongare presides over related proceedings. The connection between the alleged bribery attempt and the case has fueled further public interest.
Havi also questioned why the Judicial Service Commission has not yet issued a response or taken visible action following the allegations. He pointed to a past complaint involving Mongare and Justice Alfred Mabeya, suggesting that earlier accusations were never fully addressed.
According to Havi, this pattern raises wider concerns about accountability in the judicial system.
The claims have sparked strong reactions online and in legal circles.
The allegations could damage public confidence in the courts.
Others have urged restraint and emphasized that any accusations must be investigated carefully before conclusions are made.
So far, neither Justice Mongare nor the Judicial Service Commission has publicly responded to the claims.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has also not released detailed information about the alleged confession or whether it directly implicates the judge.
