The Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya, Martha Koome assured Kenyans that courts will give priority to the over 400 cases of corruption that could see the recovery of assets worth more than Ksh11 Billion.
Speaking to a team of members from the Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission (EACC) among them the commission's CEO Twalib Mbarak, she expressed that judges should take individual responsibility for proper case management system
The Chief Justice also said that her team will make sure that there is timely delivery of justice to all the corruption cases sitting at the judiciary.
Martha Koome came into the judiciary on May 21, 2021 to serve as Kenya's first lady Chief Justice, and the 15th since Kenya gained its independence.
President Kenyatta congratulated Chief Justice Koome on her appointment and urged her to ensure justice is served at all times in accordance with the Constitution and the established rule of law.
“Just to remind you of the oath you have taken to impartially do justice in accordance with the Constitution and by the law established, and the laws and customs of the Republic without any fear, favor, bias, affection, ill will, prejudice, and any political, religious or other influence in the exercise of the judicial functions entrusted to you,” President Kenyatta said.
The Head of State assured her that he will at all times protect and defend the Constitution with a view of upholding the dignity and respect for the judiciary and the judicial system.
The president expressed confidence in Martha Koome citing that she will succeed in her role having deep roots in the Judiciary where she rose through the ranks to the helm of the judiciary.
Martha Koome was appointed the Chief Justice at a time when there are many cases of corruption pending in Kenyan courts.
Some of the Governors who have been charged with misappropriation of public funds include; Migori Governor Zachary Okoth Obado, former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, Samburu Governor Moses Kasaine and Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki.
In 2019 Noordin Haji also ordered the arrest and prosecution of Former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich, who became Kenya's first sitting Minister to be arrested for corruption
Despite corruption being rampant in Kenya, the country has anti-corruption legislation dating back to 1956, the Prevention of Corruption act. This legislation was active till 2003 when the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act No.3 became operational.
