A petition has been formally submitted to the High Court, dated January 16, with the objective of ousting Justice Esther Maina from her position.
Anthony Odiero, the petitioner, is additionally urging the Judicial Service Commission to initiate an inquiry into the judge’s alleged involvement in corrupt practices.
Anthony Odiero, represented by his legal counsel Ndegwa Njiru, contends that in the preceding year, High Court Judge Diana Kavedza issued an order to freeze assets belonging to Odiero. This included two motor vehicles and KES 53 million held at Kenya Commercial Bank. According to Odiero, the Assets Recovery Agency initiated the application for freezing the assets.
The petitioner claims that Anthony Manyara contacted him via mobile phone, urging him to arrange a meeting to convey information allegedly provided by the judge. In the subsequent meeting, Manyara communicated that the judge was prepared to lift the freezing orders if Odiero agreed to a payment of KES 2.5 million.
Manyara further suggested that Odiero consult his lawyer to file an urgent application seeking to modify the orders. Although initially hesitant, the complainant eventually filed an application on September 8, 2023. However, Justice Maina dismissed the application upon review.
Odiero has asserted that, given the unfolding events, he urges the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to take action and facilitate the removal of the judge to uphold the integrity of the judiciary.