Claims of corruption in Kenya’s judiciary have resurfaced after allegations linked to the term “JuriPESA,” raising concern about whether some court decisions are influenced by money instead of law.
The issue gained attention after a public call for victims to share their experiences, putting focus on trust in the justice system.
The term “JuriPESA” combines “judiciary” and the Swahili word for money, suggesting that justice may be influenced by payments. These claims spread widely after a Facebook post by Nelson Havi, a senior lawyer known for speaking out on legal matters.
In his post, he asked anyone who may have faced unfair treatment in court under Josephine Wayua Wambua Mongare to come forward and share their experiences. The post quickly drew strong reactions, with many Kenyans expressing frustration about alleged corruption in the courts.
Lady Justice Mongare, appointed to the High Court in 2022, has handled cases in Eldoret and Nairobi, including matters in the Commercial and Tax Division. Her role involves deciding on business disputes and tax-related cases, which often involve large sums of money. However, recent allegations have placed her under public scrutiny, with claims suggesting improper conduct in at least one high-profile dispute.
The controversy is linked to a case involving Raphael Tuju. Reports indicate that a bribe of about Ksh 10 million was allegedly requested to influence the outcome of a property case.
According to claims circulating online, former judge Joseph Mutava is said to have admitted involvement in collecting the money. These claims have not been proven in court but have raised serious concerns about integrity within the judiciary.
Following these developments, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission sought to investigate the matter. However, a recent court order temporarily stopped the agency from questioning the judge or taking further action.
The decision was based on protecting judicial independence, a principle meant to shield judges from undue pressure. The case remains ongoing, and more details are expected as legal processes continue.
Nelson Havi has continued to speak publicly about the issue, questioning why investigations should be blocked if there is nothing to hide.
His statements have fueled debate, with some supporting his call for accountability while others warn against making conclusions before proper investigations are completed.
His platform has also become a space where individuals share concerns about their experiences in court.
Public reactions show growing dissatisfaction among Kenyans. Many people believe that if corruption exists in the judiciary, it undermines confidence in the entire legal system.
Courts are expected to offer fair decisions based on evidence, and any suggestion that outcomes can be bought creates fear, especially among those who cannot afford to pay bribes.
The situation has also drawn attention to the role of the Judicial Service Commission, which is responsible for handling complaints against judges. Some Kenyans are questioning whether enough is being done to address serious allegations and maintain public trust.
The debate around “JuriPESA” reflects a deeper concern about fairness and accountability. For many citizens, the judiciary represents the last place to seek justice. If trust in that system is weakened, it affects not only individual cases but also confidence in the rule of law.
