The Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ), commonly known as the Office of the Ombudsman, has interdicted its Commission Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Mercy Wambua, for 14 days to allow for investigations into allegations of gross misconduct and incompetence.
In a letter dated October 15, 2025, and signed by Commission Chairperson Charles Dulo, the decision was reached following deliberations during the 73rd Commission meeting.
“To facilitate an impartial investigation, the Commission has resolved to interdict Ms. Mercy Wambua for fourteen (14) days effective immediately. All staff are hereby directed to accord full cooperation and support to the Acting Commission Secretary during this interim period,” the letter read in part.
During the period of interdiction, the Director of Corporate Services will assume the role of Acting Commission Secretary, pending the conclusion of the investigations.
Wambua, who has been at the helm of the Ombudsman’s office since March 4, 2022, previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) for six years. During her tenure, she also served as Secretary to the Advocates Disciplinary Tribunal and Secretary to the Advocates Benevolent Association.
Before joining LSK, she held positions at the Board of Kituo cha Sheria and the then Ministry of Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs.
Her interdiction marks a significant moment for the Ombudsman’s office — a key constitutional commission mandated to promote administrative justice and address maladministration in public institutions. While the Commission has not disclosed details of the allegations, sources suggest that internal tensions over management decisions and staff welfare may have contributed to the move.
Investigations are expected to conclude within the two-week period, after which the Commission will determine Wambua’s fate.
