CHIEF JUSTICE KOOME PRAISES LEGAL COMMUNITY’S SUPPORT AMID CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS
Chief Justice Martha Koome has expressed appreciation to the legal fraternity for standing in solidarity with the judiciary amid heightened accusations of corruption and anti-government bias.
In January and February this year, members of the public severely criticized the judiciary over allegations of graft, while members of the Law Society of Kenya stood in support of the courts.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the advocates across the country who, earlier this year, stood in solidarity with the Judiciary when the courts were under public criticism for simply performing their duty of interpreting and enforcing the law,” Koome said. “In the same breath, I appreciate all of you for condemning impunity and defiance of court orders.”
In a statement read by Mombasa Principal Judge Olga Sewe during the opening of the Law Society of Kenya annual conference, Koome outlined plans that will enhance how the judiciary operates.
However, Koome also touched on the question of unfounded claims against the judiciary. “Such baseless accusations, when unsupported by evidence, erode public confidence in our justice system, undermining the authority of the courts, the work of advocates and our collective goal of entrenching the rule of law as a fundamental guiding principle for our nation,” she said.
The CJ noted that a good working relationship between the judges, magistrates, and lawyers was necessary to realize the objectives enshrined in the Constitution: social justice, rule of law, and sustainable development.
“Indeed, the recent weeks that have witnessed demands by our youth for good governance, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law show the enduring importance of the values and aspirations,” Koome said.
She pointed to recent events—a spate of abductions of protesters and a seemingly endless stream of femicides—to remind one that this is work in progress.
“As members of the judiciary and the legal fraternity, we cannot afford to ignore these challenges as they strike at the heart of the rule of law, good governance, and social justice in our country,” she concluded.
