Chief Justice Martha Koome has now vowed to expose anyone who tries to approach her to influence a court decision.

Speaking on Thursday, November 7, 2024, to a local radio station, CJ Koome made it clear that throughout her service in the judicial sector, she has not been approached to influence a verdict.

While vowing to the sanctity of the Judiciary, Koome maintained that she would not hesitate to expose anyone who tries to engage her to sway a ruling.

The President of the apex court indicated that their practice is guided by the constitution and that she would not wish to violate the oath she swore to protect.

“Nobody has ever tried to influence me. As a trial judge, as the judge of the Appeal, as the Supreme Court judge and as the President of the Supreme Court because I cannot allow.

“The Constitution does not allow us to be influenced by anybody or any authority. So whoever would be attempting to influence me I would quickly refer them to the Constitution because it is written there in black and white,” Koome said during an interview with a local radio station.

When asked if she would make make public if someone tried to, Koome quickly responded; “I would.”

Koome explained that most people try to reach out to various judges using proxies, church, women’s groups and other social gatherings.

However, Koome detailed that she would still expose anyone who uses those channels to try and influence her and lastly recuse herself from the case.

“When I was a trial judge you would be approached through maybe the church, through merry-go-round, or women’s group and they don’t do it directly.

“What I did was to declare immediately that this is not a position where you can be approached and if you did approach me the thing I would do is expose you and I would also recuse myself from hearing the matter,” she emphasised.

Rule of law

At the same time, Koome explained that every decision of the Supreme Court is predicated on the rule of law and not the prevailing conditions.

“The most fundamental consideration and the most central is the rule of law because the rule of law is the foundation of everything. It is the rule of law that is known by everybody and that is the one that is written and that is the one that governs the country.

“So every decision of the Supreme Court is predicated on the rule of law,” Koome insisted.

Ruto’s message

Koome’s remarks come days after President William Ruto urged the Judiciary to exercise restraint on national and public interest matters to prevent individuals and groups whose goal is to advance their sectarian agenda.

Ruto noted that the line between public interest and populist politics can be blurred, saying we live in a complex and dynamic era characterised by agendas pushed through social media and anonymous individuals.

He said the Judiciary has a role to play in helping the country curb politics of personality, ethnicity and populism, and promote politics based on issues and programmes.

“How do you respond to litigants and individuals who challenge a policy and a manifesto position canvassed among the citizens and voted for by the people of Kenya?” he asked.

Ruto made the sentiments with a view that governments are elected on the basis of a manifesto and stressed that this should carry more weight in court.