FACT CHECK: Did Martha Koome Praise Ruto Over State House Prayers?

Chief Justice Martha Koome speaking on Wednesday September 7,2022 at a funeral in Meru
Chief Justice Martha Koome speaking on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at a funeral in Meru.
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The Office of the Chief Justice of Kenya issued a clarification following claims that Martha Koome had praised President William Ruto for converting State House into a house of prayer.

The screenshot, which mimicked the handle and image likeness of the Chief Justice, claimed that Koome was pleased by the Head of State's choice to hold the Sunday, September 26, thanksgiving event at State house.

It further purported to challenge the Judiciary to follow suit.

"Thank you William Ruto for making State House a house of prayer. A good example for the Kenya Judiciary. Kenya is a country of God," read the fake tweet in part.

Right to left: President William Ruto, his wife Rachel, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his wife Dorcas.
Right to left: President William Ruto, his wife Rachel, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his wife Dorcas.
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Communications Advisor in the Office of the Chief Justice Michael Mumo, however, flagged the post, which was dated Sunday, September 25, 2022, and sent out at 9:20p.m., as fake.

A spot check on the CJ's handle showed that her last post was made on Friday September 23 and that the fake post had misappropriated her title by including a small letter 'j' in the title section of her handle that should instead be 'CJMarthaKoome.'

The President held a thanksgiving prayer service at the State House Gardens shortly after he jetted back into the country and asked the men of cloth to anoint his official residence before he embarks on using it to discharge his duties.

He revealed that a team of 40 clergymen had been selected to lead the prayer session, which would see them dedicate the entire facility to God.

"After this service, there is a part two which may not be as organized as the first session. We will ask 30 or 40 of our senior clergy to pray over this building and this residence, and the offices so that God can give us solutions for this country.

"Do not leave after lunch, speak award of blessing on this grounds and around this compound, even on the farm, everywhere! Those who can speak in tongues, please do so, so that it is known that the new tenants have arrived," the President stated at the event.

The First Lady Rachel Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his wife Dorcas also attended the event.

After the event, Rachel confirmed that State House would hold monthly prayer meetings during Ruto's tenure.

 Name Chief Justice Marth Koome
Chief Justice Marth Koome signs the condolence book of Queen Elizabeth II at the residence of UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott on Thursday, September 15, 2022.
The Judiciary