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Attack on one, attack on all: Echo Network Africa leads defence of Judiciary's independence

Chief Justice Martha Koome (right) and Dr Jennifer Riria, president and CEO of Ena and chairperson of AWLN-Kenya. Women leaders have defended judicial reforms and gender equality gains under the CJ's tenure.

Photo credit: Photo | Pool

What you need to know:

  • Women leaders and advocacy groups held a press conference in Nairobi to defend Chief Justice Martha Koome against recent criticism.
  • They highlighted Koome's achievements in judicial reforms, including improved access to justice and reduced case backlogs.


In a powerful show of solidarity, women leaders and advocacy groups have united to defend Chief Justice Martha Koome and the Judiciary against recent criticism of her leadership.

Representatives from Echo Network Africa Foundation (Ena), African Women Leaders Network-Kenya (AWLN-K), and Women Mediation Network-Kenya (WMN-K) convened a press conference on Friday at Ena's Nairobi offices. The conference, titled "State of Women's Leadership in Kenya," addressed the scrutiny of the Judiciary while showcasing Chief Justice Koome's achievements.

Leading the defence, Dr Jennifer Riria, Ena president and CEO and AWLN-Kenya chairperson, emphasised the broader implications of these attacks: "The attacks on the Chief Justice are not just an attack on her as an individual but on the entire Judiciary and the gains we have made as a country in promoting gender equality in leadership," she stated. "Chief Justice Koome has demonstrated exemplary leadership, and her achievements speak for themselves. We must not allow her legacy to be tarnished by unfounded criticism."

Chief Justice Martha Koome. She has been criticised for leading "a corrupt Judiciary".

Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group

The coalition highlighted Koome's key accomplishments, including judicial reforms that improved access to justice, reduced case backlogs, and enhanced transparency. They noted her efforts in advancing gender equality through increased appointments of women to senior judicial positions and establishing specialised courts for gender-based violence cases.

Addressing the Judiciary's progress, a representative from the Women Mediation Network-Kenya emphasised: "The Judiciary under Chief Justice Koome has made significant strides in ensuring that justice is accessible to all Kenyans, particularly the marginalised and vulnerable. We cannot ignore these achievements simply because of a few dissenting voices."

Speaking on the challenges faced by women leaders, Dr Riria observed: "Women in leadership often face disproportionate scrutiny and criticism. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that they are supported and protected, especially when they are making a positive impact."

Dr Riria called for continued support of the Judiciary: "We stand with Chief Justice Koome and the Judiciary. Let us not allow unfounded criticism to overshadow the progress we have made. Together, we can build a more inclusive and just society."
Representatives from women's organisations, civil society groups, and media houses attended the conference, affirming their commitment to advocating for gender equality and protecting women leaders in Kenya.