Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, met with Chief Justice Martha Koome at the Supreme Court of Kenya amid ouster reports.

In a statement, CS Murkomen confirmed the meeting with the president of the apex court revealing some of the issues that were brought to the table in their closed-door session.

The security of judges prominently featured in their discussions according to the statement shared by both the Judiciary and CS Murkomen. The two discussed ways to ensure judicial officers were well protected and the premises well secured to avoid incidences of attacks.

“Chief Justice Martha Koome held discussions with Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen, on critical security challenges facing the Judiciary. They explored effective mechanisms to enhance preparedness and alertness, ensuring that courts remain safe spaces for Judges, Judicial Officers, and Court Users,” a statement shared by Judiciary read in part.

Koome prioritised the issue of security following an incident on June 13, 2024, where the Makadara magistrate was shot. During an open court session, the magistrate cancelled the bond for an accused person who had jumped bond and had failed to offer satisfactory explanations for jumping bond.

Immediately after the decision was pronounced, a person shot at the Magistrate and injured her in the hip. The magistrate eventually succumbed to the injuries.

The incident sparked uproar with Judiciary leadership demanding to be accorded security.

Handling criminal cases

The CS and CJ Koome also deliberated on ways to handle criminal cases in the country.

They both agreed to cooperate to find a better way of making sure the decisions were delivered on time while serving justice.

“They also discussed ways to engage all justice actors within the criminal justice system to enhance coordination and efficiency in handling criminal cases,” the Judiciary’s statement added.

Instant fines

Kenya has been mulling to implement instant fines in Kenya for motorists violating traffic rules.

CS Murkomen noted that proper implementation of the instant fines policy would help improve safety and security on the roads.

“We also discussed partnership on the implementation of instant traffic fines to improve safety and security on our roads and decongest the courts,” Murkomen’s statement disclosed.

Ouster claims

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua sparked an explosion of reactions on various platforms after claiming that there was a scheme targeting CJ Koome because of her affiliation with the Mt Kenya region.

Gachagua went on to warn President William Ruto insisting that Koome’s ouster would be met by street protests.

“We know he is planning to impeach Koome,” Gachagua said. “This is too much now. How do you purge the leadership of an entire community that made you president?”

“If Koome is dismissed and I call for protests, will you come out? We are not going to sit again as Ruto destroys the leadership of Mount Kenya,” Gachagua charged.