Former Chief Justice David Maraga passed down pieces of advice to his successor Martha Koome who assumed the office on Monday, May 24.
Speaking during the ceremony held at Supreme Court grounds, Maraga reminded Koome that the office was very demanding and that she should tackle it with grace.
He further noted that she should always endeavor to cooperate with other judges and her counsel to make her reign at the office smooth.
"One thing I tell you is that you go to a very demanding office. Extremely demanding but you are up to it. I know you, you are a very prayerful woman.
"The Deputy Chief Justice and other judges have pledged to support you. The counsel has pledged to support you. There is really no worry whatsoever, you will be able to deliver. all you need to do is to cooperate with them," stated Maraga.
He further challenged her to stick to her guns and remind other officials that they need to stay in their lanes.
"One important thing CJ, just keep reminding everybody that constitutional power is constrained power so that everybody keeps to his/her lane, we will have a wonderful country," he added.
While accepting the instruments of power from Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, Koome vowed to ensure that no cases stay in the courts for more than three years.
“My predecessors made efforts to improve the judiciary that wants us to embrace the case management system,” she explained.
She also promised to expand High Courts across the country to aid in the dispensation of justice in a swift manner and prevent backlog of cases.
“I understand that some court users sell valuable things to file a case, pay an advocate or even raise bus fare to the courts,” she added.
While approving her nomination, President Uhuru Kenyatta congratulated the new Chief Justice Martha Koome for being the first woman to clinch the position.
"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," Uhuru stated.
Koome was nominated after rigorous interview process and trounced over 10 other applicants for the position.
