CJ Martha Koome Rules Out Resigning

Chief Justice Martha Koome has responded to a section of Kenyans, led by former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi, calling for her resignation.

Speaking on Monday, January 14, Koome dismissed the calls for her resignation, stating that she had yet to receive any valid reason compelling her to step down.

Addressing the press outside the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) building in Nairobi, CJ Koome clarified that she would only step down once her tenure in office comes to an end.

“You asked whether I would resign; I will also ask you, why would I resign? I have a tenure; I was appointed to serve for a tenure, and you have not given me the reason why you would want me to resign,” said Koome.

According to the Chief Justice, she had yet to receive the petition filed by Havi, which called for the resignation of all seven Supreme Court judges.

Reiterating her position, CJ Koome vowed to continue addressing corruption within the judiciary, adding that she would not be deterred by negative criticism.

“Unfortunately, we have not received the petition. It is probably being processed. We were there on the seventh, and we did not see it,” Koome said.

“We need to tell Kenyans that you cannot pay for government services, you cannot pay for justice, and you cannot pay for judicial services because we are paid by the taxpayers’ money,” she added.

Her comments came hours after Havi filed a petition with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) calling for the dismissal of all seven Supreme Court judges on grounds of gross misconduct and misbehaviour.

In the letter dated January 13, the former LSK President urged the Commission to recommend to President William Ruto the establishment of a tribunal to investigate Koome and her co-accused.

Havi’s petition criticised Koome for what it described as a lack of leadership and proper direction in her role at the helm of the judiciary, further contrasting her with former Chief Justice Evans Gicheru.

“Unlike Honourable Evans Gicheru, Honourable Justice Martha Karambu Koome has failed to provide leadership and direction for the Supreme Court of Kenya and the entire Judiciary,” read part of the petition.