CJ Koome hits out at politicians over threats to judges

Chief Justice Martha Koome has stamped authority on what she terms as the non-negotiable principle of judicial independence, which she says has been tested by public attacks including threats to judges and judicial officers.

Koome said the threatening rhetoric is a grave affront to the rule of law, reminiscent of an era when the authority of the courts was routinely undermined. 

Speaking on Thursday during the Annual Law Society of Kenya (LSK) conference held in Diani, Kwale County, the CJ fired back at politicians and critics who have mounted attacks on the Judiciary, targeting judges whose decisions don't favour them.

Koome said the Judiciary is unfazed and her leadership unshaken.

"My position has been unequivocal. Any party aggrieved by a judicial decision, even the government, must seek redress through appeals or reviews – not through defiance or vilification of judges or judicial officers. No one has the right to choose which court orders to obey and which to ignore," Koome stated.

She further defended the Judiciary’s handling of protest-related cases, saying courts have consistently granted bail and bond to accused persons

"Our court has continued to grant bail and bond to accused persons brought before our court…in cases where they have been dissatisfied by bond, they have moved to the High Court and I am happy to say the High Court has reviewed," she said.

"Anticipatory bail is not a Kenyan invention nor does it amount to judicial endorsement of crime. The Judiciary is a fact finder guided by evidence," LSK President Faith Odhiambo noted. 

Koome however stated that independence is not immunity from accountability, and that judicial officers remain accountable for their conduct and should uphold high standards of integrity.

"As Chief Justice I have declared zero tolerance to corruption. We launched a mobile app and I said one of the messages that should run is do not bring money to the Judiciary," she added.

Koome praised Gen-Z for boldly defending their rights, stressing that issues raised during protests such as abductions, must be addressed. She reaffirmed the Judiciary’s oath to uphold and defend the Constitution.

"The concerns being raised we must continue to address them…the concerns on abductions…and we have also sworn to defend the Constitution." 

The Chief Justice also raised alarm over the re-emergence of gangs, warning that intelligence reports paint a worrying picture as the country heads toward the 2027 General Election.