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CJ Martha Koome Sets Record Straight on the Rot in the Judiciary

Chief Justice Martha Koome cleared the air on the issue of corruption in the Judiciary.

She addressed issue of personal attacks and allegations of her taking bribes within the Judiciary and more so as the President of the institution.

In her interview, Koome recognized the difficulties she has encountered in overseeing a judiciary that has historically been tainted by allegations of corruption. She affirmed her belief that Kenya’s judicial system can and must operate independently, with the aim of restoring public confidence.

The CJ further addressed Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi’s claims of corruption in the judicial system, challenging him to provide evidence.

“On this issue of jurispesa, I’ve always asked where is my incompetence. Is it in jurisprudence? The cases we’ve decided are read all over; we’ve had to deal with complex matters. He says their is bribery in the Judiciary or their is corruption in the Judiciary and I say yes maybe their is but their are institutions that deal with corruption in the Judiciary. Why aren’t you bringing evidence of this jurispesa; who has asked for money or received money or a favour. Why don’t you put that evidence together and bring it to the Judicial Service Commission or even the police it is a criminal offence to receive a bribe,” she added.

Chief Justice Martha Koome stated that she has never been offered a bribe during her 22-year judicial career. She credited her clean record to the ethical standards and strong reputation she has upheld within Kenya’s Judiciary. Koome challenged allegations of corruption in the Judiciary, urging accusers such as Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi to provide evidence. She underscored that Kenya’s judicial system can function independently, with the goal of restoring public trust through transparency and accountability.

“I know who I am, what I’ve done and what I am going to do. If you’ve looked. I have never. All these 22 years being a judge and a chief justice nobody has ever approached my with a bribe. I would have them arrested,” Koome declared.

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