The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has issued a response to an article published by a local daily on Monday, November 25, 2024, accusing the media outlet of sensationalism and biased reporting.
In a statement, the JSC confirmed receiving five petitions on October 11, 2024, filed by Mr. Kung’u Muigai, seeking the removal of ten judges.
However, the Commission expressed concerns over the manner in which the issue was covered by the media, claiming it unfairly highlighted only the petitioner’s perspective.
“While the petitions are being processed in strict adherence to the Constitution of Kenya and the Judicial Service Act, the JSC takes exception to the Daily Nation’s coverage, which presents a sensationalized and one-sided account based solely on the petitioner’s claims, unfairly exposing the judges in question to reputational damage,” the statement read.
The JSC further criticized the article for speculating on potential outcomes, including the consequences of removing the judges, despite the fact that the matter is still under review.
While acknowledging the media’s role in facilitating public access to information, the JSC called for responsible reporting that upholds fairness and accuracy.
It urged the media to avoid advancing narratives that could undermine the credibility of the judiciary or prejudice ongoing proceedings.
“We urge the media to allow due process to take its course without skewing public sentiment or creating unwarranted speculation,” the statement concluded.
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