Chief Justice Martha Koome Defends Judiciary Against Corruption Allegations

In a recent BBC interview, Chief Justice Martha Koome refuted corruption allegations and highlighted the ongoing challenges of gender-based violence in Kenya, setting her sights on implementing specialized courts for these crimes.

Kenya’s Chief Justice Martha Koome has firmly defended her integrity against recent allegations of corruption and incompetence aimed at the judiciary, asserting that no one has attempted to bribe her during her 22-year career. In an interview with the BBC, Koome stated, “In all these 22 years I’ve been a judge and a chief justice, nobody has ever approached me with a bribe. I would have them arrested.” As Kenya’s first female chief justice, she has faced accusations of not adequately addressing claims of bribery within the judicial system, coining the term "jurispesa" — a blend of jurisprudence and pesa (Swahili for money) — to describe alleged corruption.

In light of these claims, Koome urged anyone who has evidence of wrongdoing to report it to the relevant authorities. Speaking on the BBC Africa Daily podcast, she emphasized that the accusations against her were intended to undermine her credibility and distract her from her work. “I know who I am and what I have done and what I am going to do," she asserted. Koome has been vocal about the pervasive issue of corruption in Kenya, describing it as “a national embarrassment.”

Additionally, she highlighted the challenges posed by gender bias in the criticism she faces, calling the attacks against her “total misogyny” and “total chauvinism.” The Chief Justice expressed deep concern over rising violence against women, noting that nearly 100 women have been killed in the past three months alone. In a country where more than 500 women fell victim to femicide between 2016 and 2024, she lamented the slow progress of rape cases in the judiciary due to a lack of witnesses.

In response to these alarming trends, Koome is dedicated to enhancing access to justice for women, outlining plans to establish specialized courts to handle sexual and gender-based crimes. Two of these courts are already operational in Kisumu and Siaya, with aspirations to open a total of 11 across the country. She stated, “Cases of gender-based violence must be given priority.” Through these initiatives, Koome aims to ensure that victims of violence do not endure prolonged legal battles while seeking justice.