Chief Justice Martha Koome has addressed allegations of corruption and incompetence within Kenya’s judiciary, asserting she has never been approached with a bribe in her 22-year judicial career. Speaking on BBC Africa Daily, Koome dismissed these claims as attempts to undermine her credibility, stating, “If anyone tried to bribe me, I would have them arrested.” She emphasized that the accusations are fueled by misogyny, noting that criticism has intensified due to her position as Kenya’s first female Chief Justice.
Koome has consistently argued that anyone accusing judges of corruption should present evidence to enable formal investigations. This stance was particularly clear in January when President William Ruto alleged that judicial officers were accepting bribes to obstruct his administration’s agenda. In response, Koome urged him to submit evidence, asserting that “blanket statements or unsubstantiated allegations” would not lead to action by the Judicial Service Commission. She underscored the need to follow constitutional procedures, stating that any action outside this framework would undermine the rule of law.
President Ruto also suggested ignoring court orders that hinder government projects, claiming that while judicial independence is essential, it should still be accountable to the Kenyan people. The President’s assertive stance sparked concerns of a potential crackdown on the judiciary. However, the tensions eased after dialogue between the judiciary and the executive, held at State House, Nairobi, underscoring the need for cooperation between the two arms of government.
