In brief
Martha Koome, Kenya's first female chief justice, firmly denies allegations of bribery, labeling them as misogynistic attacks aimed at undermining her. She highlights her commitment to tackling violence against women and improving the judicial system's integrity.
In a robust defense against recent allegations of corruption within Kenya's judiciary, Chief Justice Martha Koome has made clear that no one has ever attempted to bribe her in her 22 years on the bench. Speaking in an interview with the BBC, she stated, "I would have them arrested," underscoring her commitment to integrity in the legal system. Justice Koome's rebuttal comes in response to growing discontent among Kenyans who have coined the term "jurispesa," which suggests a troubling intertwining of jurisprudence and bribery in the judicial process.Faced with accusations of failing to address corruption, Koome urged those raising concerns to present their evidence to authorities or the judicial oversight commission. In her remarks, she reflected on the motivation behind such allegations, suggesting they aim to "lower my credibility". Koome emphasized her awareness of her abilities and her achievements thus far, insisting that she would remain impartial in her duties.Notably, Justice Koome, who highlighted the historical challenges women face in leadership roles, characterized the backlash as “total misogyny” and “total chauvinism”. Her concerns extend beyond personal attacks, expressing a deep commitment to combatting gender-based violence, which has surged alarmingly in Kenya with nearly 100 women reported killed in recent months.Reflecting on the judiciary’s shortcomings, she lamented that rape cases often stagnate due to a lack of witnesses. In light of the grim statistics indicating over 500 female victims of femicide in recent years, Koome is advocating for judicial reforms, including the establishment of 11 specialized courts for sexual and gender-based crimes throughout Kenya. Two of these courts are already operational in Kisumu and Siaya counties, which she believes will expedite justice for victims.Justice Koome's passionate approach seeks to ensure that victims of gender-based violence do not languish in the judicial process for years, as she pledges to prioritize their cases for swift resolution.
