The Judiciary has dismissed online claims suggesting a deceased woman, Dorothy Muoma had formerly been a magistrate in the country but had later found herself in a difficult situation and abandoned by the institution.
The Judiciary released a statement on Thursday, February 19, dismissing the claims surrounding a deceased woman identified as Dorothy Muoma.
The Judiciary noted that it had taken notice of social media posts suggesting that the deceased had formerly been a magistrate in Kitale but had later found herself in a difficult situation.
The emotional stories posted on social media depicted a woman who had found herself in a difficult situation in life, losing her job, property, and eventually her mental sanity.
The stories posted on social media indicated that the deceased had been suspended and dismissed from her job as a magistrate in Kitale, a move that led to her life spiraling out of control.
The Judiciary, through its spokesperson, Paul Ndemo, dismissed the claims, stating:
“We would like to confirm that Ms Muoma was never an employee of the Judiciary at any point in her career. We nonetheless wish to console the family at her passing away,”
The explanation comes at a time when the story continued to gain public sympathy and discussion on various online forums, with many Kenyans expressing outrage at what they felt was the negligence of a former judicial officer.
The Judiciary did not elaborate on the background of the woman but was quick to point out that the claims about her association with the Judiciary were false.
From the information going around online, it was claimed that Muoma had been battling a long illness that had rendered her unable to settle her hospital bills. For instance, there was a time in 2017 when fundraising for her treatment was done via the use of pay bill numbers.
There was also a claim that she had sought assistance from top lawyers at the Law Society of Kenya, although this could not be independently confirmed.
Muoma was laid to rest on Monday in Bungoma County in what was described as an emotional ceremony presided over by the Catholic Church, bringing to a close a life story that had sparked many reactions across the country.
The Judiciary statement now lays to rest claims that she was once a member of the Judiciary.