Kenya's Chief Justice Martha Koome Challenges Corruption Accusations Amid Rising Violence Against Women

In light of ongoing accusations of corruption within Kenya's judiciary, Chief Justice Martha Koome refuted the claims, declaring she has never been bribed in her 22-year career. She links the allegations to gender discrimination and emphasizes her commitment to combating violence against women, announcing plans for specialized courts to handle gender-based crimes.

In a powerful address, Kenya's Chief Justice Martha Koome has strongly denied allegations of corruption within the judiciary, labeling them as part of a broader campaign of misogyny aimed at undermining her credibility. Speaking to the BBC, Koome, who has served as a judge for 22 years, asserted that at no point has anyone attempted to bribe her, stating, "I would have them arrested."

The first female chief justice of Kenya faced public scrutiny after accusations emerged claiming that she failed to address corruption effectively. The term "jurispesa," a blend of the legal term jurisprudence and the Swahili word for money, has surfaced in discussions among Kenyans regarding alleged judicial corruption. In response, Koome urged those leveling accusations to present their evidence to relevant authorities, expressing confidence in her integrity and future endeavors.

Reflecting on the systemic issues in the judiciary, Koome denounced the persistent challenge of corruption, describing it as a "national embarrassment." She linked some of the backlash she receives to her gender, stating, "It is total misogyny. It is total chauvinism." Koome emphasized her dedication to addressing violence against women, expressing dismay at the ongoing reports of femicide.

Statistics reveal a troubling rise in violence against women, with law enforcement reporting nearly 100 killings of women and girls in the past three months alone. The Africa Data Hub has indicated that over 500 women fell victim to femicide between 2016 and 2024 in Kenya. Koome voiced her commitment to ensuring justice, outlining plans to establish specialized courts throughout the country to prioritize handling sexual and gender-based violence crimes, with two already operational in Kisumu and Siaya counties.

“So that the victim who was violated does not keep coming to court, year in year out,” she underscored, reflecting on the importance of timely justice for affected women. Through her advocacy, Koome hopes to inspire change and shed light on the urgent need to protect vulnerable populations from gender-based violence.