Kenya's Chief Justice Responds to Corruption Accusations Amid Rising Gender-Based Violence

In light of allegations surrounding corruption within the judiciary, Chief Justice Martha Koome emphasizes her integrity and commitment to addressing gender-based violence in Kenya.

Kenya’s Chief Justice Martha Koome has strongly condemned recent allegations of corruption and incompetence directed at the judiciary in a recent interview. "In all these 22 years I’ve been a judge and chief justice, nobody has ever approached me with a bribe. I would have them arrested," she stated in a BBC interview, responding to growing concerns about integrity in the legal system.

As the first female chief justice in Kenya's history, Koome has been under scrutiny after accusations surfaced suggesting she has not effectively addressed bribery and corruption claims. Many citizens have coined the term "jurispesa," blending 'jurisprudence' with 'pesa' (money in Swahili), to denote perceived corrupt practices within the judiciary. Nonetheless, Koome has urged those making accusations to bring forth evidence to law enforcement or the judicial oversight commission, countering that such claims are designed to undermine her credibility.

Reflecting on past challenges, Koome asserted, "I know who I am and what I have done and what I am going to do," reaffirming her impartiality and dedication to justice. She also highlighted the intertwined issue of misogyny that complicates her position as a female leader, describing the criticism she faces as "total misogyny" and "total chauvinism."

The Chief Justice continues to prioritize the urgent need to combat violence against women, reporting a surge in cases with nearly 100 women and girls killed in just three months due to violence. With data from Africa Data Hub revealing over 500 femicides in Kenya between 2016 and 2024, Koome expressed her dismay and commitment to ensuring justice for women.

To bolster support for victims, Justice Koome plans to establish 11 specialized courts for sexual and gender-based crimes throughout the nation, with two already operational in Kisumu and Siaya counties. She emphasized the significance of fast-tracking these cases to alleviate the emotional burden on victims who otherwise face prolonged court processes. "We have a lot of hope in them because cases of gender-based violence must be given priority," she concluded.

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