Nairobi, Kenya, November 12- Chief Justice Martha Koome recently reflected on the strong ethical standards she has maintained over her 22-year career. In an interview with the BBC, Koome shared that she has never been offered a bribe—a testament, she believes, to her integrity and reputation within Kenya’s judiciary.
Koome emphasized her dedication to transparency and anti-corruption efforts throughout her career. “I know who I am, what I’ve done, and what I will continue to do,” she said, adding that if anyone ever attempted to bribe her, she would ensure they were arrested. Her firm stance against corruption, she noted, has been consistent since her early days as a lawyer and judge.
Acknowledging the historical challenges of leading a judiciary previously affected by corruption allegations, Koome affirmed her commitment to an independent judiciary that upholds public trust. She also responded to recent claims of judicial corruption by Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi, urging him to provide evidence to authorities to address these concerns.
“Regarding accusations of ‘jurispesa,’ I’ve asked where my supposed incompetence lies. If there is corruption, then present the evidence. Corruption is a criminal offense, and the Judicial Service Commission or the police should be given the information to take action,” Koome said, calling for accountability while defending her leadership and the judiciary’s integrity.
