CJ Koome speaks after US Supreme Court gets first black woman
By Joshua Cheloti
Chief Justice Martha Koome has joined the rest of the world in celebrating Ketanji Brown Jackson – the first black woman to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States of America.
The US Senate on Thursday confirmed Jackson as the apex court judge, going into the books of history.
Judge Ketanji’s confirmation as the Supreme Court Judge was also a win for President Joe Biden who during the hotly contested presidential campaign promised to give the federal judiciary a broader range of backgrounds.
[caption id="attachment_15966" align="alignnone" width="1280"]
Chief Justice Martha Koome delivers her verdict on the BBI initiative on March 31, 2022. |Courtesy| Twitter|[/caption]
While celebrating the new milestone, Koome, whose appointment made her the first woman Chief Justice in Kenya said she hopes Judge Ketanji’s tenure is successful.
“I celebrate the confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first black woman to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States,” said the CJ.
“I deeply recognize that when barriers fall, societies become stronger. I wish Judge Ketanji a very successful tenure on the Court,” she added.
53 Senators voted to confirm the 51-year-old federal appellate judge to be a judge of the US’s top judicial body.
Three Republicans - Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Mitt Romney - joined Biden's fellow Democrats in supporting Judge Ketanji’s appointment.
47 senators were opposed to the appointment.
Only a simple majority was needed to confirm President Biden’s appointment of Judge Ketanji who will take over from the 83-year-old Breyer who is due to serve until the court's current term ends late in June.
Ketanji Brown Jackson who served early in her career as a Supreme Court clerk for Breyer watched with Biden from the White House as the Senate took a vote on her appointment.
After she was voted in, the President of the US tweeted, “Judge Jackson's confirmation was a historic moment for our nation. We've taken another step toward making our highest court reflect the diversity of America. She will be an incredible Justice, and I was honored to share this moment with her.”
Chief Justice Martha Koome delivers her verdict on the BBI initiative on March 31, 2022. |Courtesy| Twitter|[/caption]
While celebrating the new milestone, Koome, whose appointment made her the first woman Chief Justice in Kenya said she hopes Judge Ketanji’s tenure is successful.
“I celebrate the confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first black woman to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States,” said the CJ.
“I deeply recognize that when barriers fall, societies become stronger. I wish Judge Ketanji a very successful tenure on the Court,” she added.
53 Senators voted to confirm the 51-year-old federal appellate judge to be a judge of the US’s top judicial body.
Three Republicans - Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Mitt Romney - joined Biden's fellow Democrats in supporting Judge Ketanji’s appointment.
47 senators were opposed to the appointment.
Only a simple majority was needed to confirm President Biden’s appointment of Judge Ketanji who will take over from the 83-year-old Breyer who is due to serve until the court's current term ends late in June.
Ketanji Brown Jackson who served early in her career as a Supreme Court clerk for Breyer watched with Biden from the White House as the Senate took a vote on her appointment.
After she was voted in, the President of the US tweeted, “Judge Jackson's confirmation was a historic moment for our nation. We've taken another step toward making our highest court reflect the diversity of America. She will be an incredible Justice, and I was honored to share this moment with her.” What's Your Reaction?
