President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday, May 21, congratulated the new Chief Justice Martha Koome for being the first woman to clinch the position.
The president indicated that his team had prepared a speech for him to read for the occasion but he decided to go off script.
"It is a great day as we celebrate the confirmation of a new CJ to the republic of Kenya and also for me to be the first president to swear in the first female CJ of Kenya," the president stated.
"This people here had prepared a long story for me to say but I purposely said that I will not because it is not for me to tell you how to execute your work.
Following her swearing in, Uhuru reiterated words Koome had read when being sworn in, reminding her to be guided by them throughout her tenure.
"I just want to remind you of the oaths that you have taken and to impartially do justice and in accordance to this constitution as by law established and the laws and customs of the republic without any fear, favour, bias, affection, ill will, prejudice and and any political, religious or other influence in the exercise of the judicial functions entrusted to you and I will at all times and to my best of my knowledge and ability, protect and administer, defend this constitution with a view of upholding the respect for the judiciary and the judicial system of Kenya and promoting fairness, independence, competence and integrity within it," the president read to Koome.
After he had re-read the oath to Koome, the president wished her God's blessings and assured Koome that he was praying for her.
"We know you will succeed and we are there to partner and work with you as the executive branch of the government. We pray for your success," the president added.
The president also wished judge William Ouko well after he was also sworn in as the Judge of the supreme court.
"Just be fair and the executive will not have any problem with you," Uhuru stated.
Both judges had undergone a intensive interview process that was aired on TV and emerged the top for the positions.
