Havi: Koome has dragged Judiciary to its lowest point in Kenya’s history
By Kiprono Keileb, September 25, 2025Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Nelson Havi has launched a blistering attack on Chief Justice Martha Koome, accusing her of presiding over the steepest decline in the reputation of Kenya’s Judiciary.
In a strongly worded statement shared on his official X account on Thursday, September 25, 2025, Havi said the Judiciary under Chief Justice Martha Koome had lost credibility and independence, a sharp departure from the standards set by her predecessors.
“Never before, in the history of Kenya, has the reputation of the Judiciary plummeted this low,” Havi declared. He went on to state that “incompetent C J Martha Koome has destroyed an accountable but independent legal superstructure created under the Constitution of Kenya as established by her two predecessors.”
Havi’s remarks add fuel to a growing debate about the state of the Judiciary at a time when questions about its independence and accountability continue to dominate national discourse. His comments directly challenge Koome’s leadership style, arguing that she has dismantled hard-won gains in judicial reforms.
The former LSK boss, who has been an outspoken critic of both the Executive and the Judiciary in recent years, pointed to what he views as a systemic erosion of trust in the courts. According to him, the Judiciary has drifted from being the last bastion of justice to an institution struggling to command public confidence.
While Havi did not provide specifics on the alleged failures, his criticism reflects broader frustrations among sections of the legal fraternity and the political class over decisions and conduct within the Judiciary. Critics have raised concerns about case backlogs, contested judgments, and the perception of external influence over judicial operations.
Koome, who became the country’s first female Chief Justice in 2021, came into office with promises of reforms, efficiency, and access to justice. However, as Havi’s comments illustrate, her tenure continues to divide opinion sharply, with supporters crediting her for opening up the institution, while opponents insist she has weakened its independence.
Havi’s attack is likely to intensify scrutiny of the Judiciary as the country heads into a politically charged period leading up to the 2027 general elections. With the courts expected to play a central role in handling electoral disputes, questions over the Judiciary’s integrity are expected to remain in the spotlight.