CJ Koome urges court leaders to tackle graft in Judiciary

Martha Koome

Chief Justice and Supreme Court president Martha Koome.

Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group

Chief Justice Martha Koome has called on judicial officers to enhance public confidence and trust in the Judiciary amid widespread allegations of corruption within the institution.

Justice Koome said those in leadership positions including judges and magistrates should take the lead in tackling allegations of rampant corruption within the Judiciary.

“I know there are some that say such claims remain allegations hence we should not worry about them and the integrity of the Judiciary is just fine. I hold the firm view that we must enhance public confidence and trust in the Judiciary,” said the CJ.

The CJ said there is a need to improve in mentoring and policing other members of the bench to comply with the code of conduct governing them.

“We must always remember that if we don’t adequately police ourselves, the public will be justified in calling for intervention in tackling the corruption allegations from outside the Judiciary as witnessed in the past,” Justice Koome said.

The CJ urged resident and presiding judges to be champions of integrity within court stations and divisions of the court and report all allegations relating to breach of code of conduct and corruption to her office.

“This will enable us to investigate and deal conclusively with such cases and enhance public confidence and trust in our judicial system,” said justice Koome.

The CJ made the remarks on Monday during the High Court leaders’ conference at the Whitesands beach resort in Mombasa.