Martha Koome Responds To William Ruto's Attack On Judges, Affirms Judicial Independence

• Chief Justice Martha Koome defended her judges against criticism from President William Ruto and his allies
• She expressed concern over the unwarranted scrutiny of judicial officers for court orders perceived to be against the government
• Koome reaffirmed the Judiciary’s independence and integrity, urging judges to continue their duties without fear or favour.
• She assured Kenyans that the Judiciary has effective mechanisms to handle complaints and misconduct and encouraged reporting of unethical practices

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - Chief Justice Martha Koome has defended judges under her following an onslaught by President William Ruto and his allies.

In a statement on Wednesday, January 3, Koome stated that it was concerning that judicial officers were being subjected to unwarranted scrutiny for issuing court orders that are seen to go against the government.

"The JSC has therefore noted with concern that honourable Judges and Judicial Officers have been subjected to public criticism and vilification for issuing court orders that are perceived to be against State programmes and policies," she stated.

Koome reiterated the Judiciary's independence and integrity as a co-equal arm of government, as enshrined in the Constitution.

She encouraged all Judges and Judicial Officers to continue discharging their judicial duties without fear or favour.

"The Judiciary should live up to the constitutional edict, in Article 160(1), that safeguards the exercise of judicial authority," she added.

Koome explains how Judiciary deals with misconduct

The CJ moved to assure Kenyans that the Judiciary had effective mechanisms to deal with complaints and misconduct within its ranks.

She added that they have proven over the years that their mechanisms are effective, urging Kenyans to report unethical practices.

"The JSC assures all Kenyans that any allegations or complaints of misconduct or corruption by any Judge or Judicial Officer will be dealt with firmly and swiftly in accordance with the Constitution.

The JSC has a proven record of taking action against any judicial officer who is found to have breached the Judicial Code of Conduct and Ethics or engaged in corrupt practices. The JSC therefore encourages anyone with information on any act that threatens the integrity of judicial processes and outcomes to report any such cases to the JSC for determinate action," she added.

Ruto accuses Judiciary of corruption

In his all-out rhetoric, Ruto expressed frustration with the Judiciary for trying to stop his key projects, alleging corruption and deliberate obstruction of his development plans.

The head of state accused the beneficiaries of corruption of collaborating with corrupt judicial officers to obstruct development in Kenya.

Our Judiciary, we respect you, but judicial impunity by corrupt judicial officers must stop in Kenya...we’ll stop it and whatever it takes,” he said.