Lawyer Nelson Havi has publicly accused High Court judge Josephine Mong’are of corruption, claiming that some cases handled in her court may have been influenced by money.
In a recent Facebook post, Havi asked members of the public to share their experiences if they believe they have been victims of what he described as “JuriPESA,” a term he used to suggest that justice can allegedly be bought.
He used the term while inviting people who feel they were treated unfairly in cases connected to the judge to come forward with their stories.
Havi said he would highlight such experiences publicly as part of what he believes is a problem that should be openly discussed.
One of the most serious claims he made relates to a property dispute involving businessman Raphael Tuju.
Havi alleged that former judge Joseph Mutava approached Tuju seeking KSh 10 million. According to Havi, Mutava later admitted that he was collecting the money on behalf of Lady Justice Mong’are in order to influence the outcome of the case.
The alleged payment, he said, was meant to determine the ruling in a land or property dispute.
Havi argued that the allegation fits what he believes is a pattern he has observed in the judge’s court over the years.
He said he has known the judge since 2017 through professional interactions linked to Federation of Women Lawyers, commonly known as FIDA.
During that time, he said, he appeared in matters before her and formed opinions about her conduct and performance as a judge.
The lawyer also claimed there had been a previous incident in which an agent allegedly collected KSh 5 million in connection with a case but later failed to deliver the expected outcome, causing problems for his clients.
He used the example to argue that some litigants may have experienced questionable dealings while pursuing cases in court.
In his statements, Havi has urged lawyers and litigants to consider avoiding proceedings before the judge if she continues to preside over cases. He has also questioned earlier decisions by the Judicial Service Commission, which previously reviewed complaints against the judge and cleared her of wrongdoing.
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