Kenya's Chief Justice Addresses Allegations Amidst Misogyny and Corruption Claims

Martha Koome, Kenya's first female chief justice, responds to allegations of corruption within the judiciary, emphasizing her integrity and addressing gender-based violence in the country, amidst claims of misogyny.

Kenya’s Chief Justice Martha Koome has passionately defended her integrity amidst recent allegations of bribery and corruption within the judiciary. Speaking to the BBC, Justice Koome, who has been in the judiciary for 22 years, stated, "Nobody has ever approached me with a bribe. I would have them arrested." These remarks came after accusations arose concerning her failure to address corruption claims, with some citizens coining the term "jurispesa," blending jurisprudence and the Swahili word for money, pesa, to highlight perceived malpractice in the system.

In the interview, Koome urged those making these serious allegations to provide concrete evidence to the appropriate authorities, emphasizing that the accusations aimed to undermine her credibility. "It is supposed to distract me. I know who I am and what I have done," she insisted, affirming her commitment to impartiality.

Justice Koome has characterized some of the criticism as misogynistic, stating it reflects a deep-rooted gender bias within society. This is particularly concerning as reports of violence against women in Kenya continue to rise. Justice Koome expressed her distress at the alarming increase in femicide cases, noting that almost 100 women and girls had been murdered in a recent three-month period.

Acknowledging the shortcomings within the judicial system, she stressed the need to prioritize cases of gender-based violence and rape, many of which stall due to lack of witnesses. To tackle these challenges, she plans to establish 11 courts specializing in sexual and gender-based crimes across the nation, with two already operational in Kisumu and Siaya counties.

Justice Koome emphasized, “Cases of gender-based violence must be given priority" to ensure victims do not have to endure lengthy legal battles. Her commitment to enhancing women's access to justice underscores her broader vision for a fairer and more equitable judicial system in Kenya.