Since the implementation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, Judiciary's visibility in the media and digital space has gone a notch higher. From high quality photos to regular updates, the communication department of the third arm of the government has grown tremendously.
However, this success can be attributed to little known individuals whose stories remain untold. One such individual is Zakheem Rajan, the man who has had the privilege of working with three Chief Justices, including the sitting Martha Karambu Koome.
Rajan is a communications practitioner at the Judiciary of Kenya. He is tasked with covering the public, media, and stakeholder engagements within the Judiciary. He is also mandated with implementing strategies that enhance judicial visibility.
In his role, Rajan has served two emeritus Chief Justices, Willy Mutunga and David Maraga. His exemplary workmanship has further earned him an opportunity to serve Kenya's first female Chief Justice, Martha Koome.
However, his story is not all flowery. Rajan started off as a street food vendor in Mombasa after his high school education.
After a short stint in the food vending business, Rajan landed a job as a waiter at a Mombasa hotel. At the hotel, he had an opportunity to meet powerful political leaders from the region including the outgoing Mombasa Governor, Hassan Ali Joho, who at the time was campaigning for a parliamentary seat.
"People wanted to know about my journey, 14 years ago, I worked in a restaurant in Mombasa. Governor Hassan Ali Joho would frequently come as he was vying for MP. I would serve him tea and mandazi," Rajan wrote on his social media page.
Although he did not divulge much details, his big break came when he was hired by the Judiciary. He is credited for being the man behind the Judiciary's, specifically the Supreme Court, pictures and videos.
Rajan, through his social pages, has continued to influence other young Kenyans with his grass to grace stories.
Other than Rajan, little-known Rose Wachuka Macharia is also a powerhouse behind Koome's success as the Chief Justice. The 35-year-old is the Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief Justice.
“From when I was a child growing up in Ol Kalou in Nyandarua County, I knew I wanted to serve. That is the currency of my satisfaction, not even money. It is about making an impact in the life of another person," she stated in a past interview.
Michael Mumo, the former Editorial Director at Capital FM, is also another powerful figure in the Judiciary's communications department. He serves as the Communications Advisor in the Office of the Chief Justice.
