Koome responds to Ruto’s criticism against ‘corrupt judges’

By Peter Ochieng

Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Karambu Koome on Friday responded to criticisms and attacks against some members of the judiciary.

The attacks, have over the past few days, been sustained by president William Ruto and Kenya Kwanza Alliance politicians.

Speaking during the handing over ceremony of outgoing Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Anne Amadi, the Chief Justice challenged the president and anyone aggrieved to lodge formal complaints against judges, at the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

She said JSC is ready to process complaints against judicial officers in a transparent manner, terming public humiliation of judges as unacceptable.

“The commission will only act on the basis of evidence and not blanket statements or allegations that have not been substantiated. Doing otherwise will mean an overthrow of the constitution and the rule of law,” said Koome.

She urged judges not to be cowed, asking them to discharge their duties without fear or favour. “The discharge of the rule of law will only be subject to the constitution and we will do this without any fear of contradiction or favour.”

Early this month, President William Ruto said his administration will stop judicial impunity by corrupt judicial officers at all costs. He said that beneficiaries of graft had teamed up with corrupt judicial officers, to deny Kenyans development.

“Our judiciary, we respect you but judicial impunity by corrupt judicial officers must stop in Kenya...we’ll stop it and whatever it takes,” he said.

“How do you expect me to be quiet when a few people are rushing to the courts to stop plans to create job opportunities for Kenyans. Those who don’t have jobs do not have money to hire lawyers or bribes courts. I will stand with them. I am going to be their advocate until they get jobs,” he stated.

His ‘threats’ against the judiciary have attracted a backlash from various players in the judicial system, with lawyers carrying out peaceful demos on Friday to defend freedom of the judiciary.