Update 15:30: President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday, April 28, forwarded the name of lady justice Martha Koome to the National Assembly to be vetted for appointment as Chief Justice.
Justice Martha Koome on Wednesday, April 28, issued an official statement after she was nominated to be Chief Justice by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
Koome expressed her gratitude to the commission, indicating that it was a great honour and privilege to serve as the Chief Justice.
"I appreciate this was after a thorough, rigorous and a very competitive process that saw some of the best legal minds come forward as capable candidates demonstrating their willingness to serve Kenyans," Koome stated.
"As I continue to prepare for the next stage, I wish to convey my profound gratitude to all well-wishers who encouraged and prayed for me. I continue to thank God and seek your prayers as I go through the confirmation process," she added.
In conclusion, Koome assured Kenyans of her unwavering commitment to serve them to the best of her ability.
If sworn in, Kome will be the first woman to be Chief Justice in Kenya. This is the second time that Koome is seeking to become the Chief Justice.
She has 33 years of experience in legal practice and was among 10 shortlisted candidates for the interview for the position of Kenya's Chief Justice.
Koome was among nine others that interviewed for the seat. The others include; Justice Said Juma Chitembwe, Prof. Patricia Mbote, Justice Marete Njagi, lawyer Philip Murgor, Lawyer Fredrick Ngatia, Justice Matthews Nduma, Justice William Ouko, Prof. Moni Wekesa and lawyer Alice Yano.
The 61-year-old is said to have won the confidence of the commissioners during her six-hour grilling session.
She is also said to be the most relied upon to mend fences between the Judiciary and President Uhuru Kenyatta’s executive arm.
