Chief Justice Martha Koome has raised concerns over the increasing corruption claims within some court stations.

Speaking on Monday, April 7, 2025, the head of the apex court acknowledged the issue of graft was popping up in various discourses and maintained that the judiciary could not ignore the various complaints.

The chief justice made it clear that the judiciary does not condone corruption within its ranks and announced a continued purge to nab perpetrators.

“Alongside the issue of efficiency, we are also struggling with renewed allegations of corruption within some of our court stations. These are deeply concerning, and we cannot ignore them,” Koome stated.

“I want to state once again, unequivocally, the judiciary is a corruption-free zone and as we all know, we have adopted a zero tolerance to corruption, and we are determined to enforce it without fear or favour,” she added.

Intervention

To help weed out corruption claims, CJ Koome announced the formation of Integrity Committees across all court stations.

According to the chief justice, various stakeholders will be allowed to sit in the committees and allowed to evaluate court operations and then share feedback.

She insisted that the responses would help seal the loopholes and ensure justice is served without any form of bias.

“To reinforce our institution’s integrity, we are rolling out Integrity Committees across all court stations. These committees are designed as inclusive platforms for judges, judicial officers, advocates, representatives of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and other stakeholders to raise concerns, share observations and collaborate in addressing unethical behavior,” Koome announced.

I want to state once again, unequivocally: the Judiciary is a corruption-free zone. The Judiciary has adopted a zero tolerance policy to corruption and is determined to enforce it without fear or favour. @Kenyajudiciary #ELRC #Integrity pic.twitter.com/Iw8IcSxEej

— Hon. Justice Martha K. Koome, FCIArb, EGH (@CJMarthaKoome) April 7, 2025

Postponement of cases

At the same time, Koome told various stakeholders that she had noted with concern the issue of frequent adjournment of cases. The head of the Supreme Court of Kenya made it clear that adjournments contribute to the delay of justice delivery.

“Frequent adjournments not only delay justice but also contribute to growing public frustration and erode confidence in our courts,” she said.

Frequent adjournments not only delay justice but also contribute to growing public frustration and erode confidence in our courts. @Kenyajudiciary @LawSocietyofKe #ELRC #justice pic.twitter.com/Bl6NVYbe1o

— Hon. Justice Martha K. Koome, FCIArb, EGH (@CJMarthaKoome) April 7, 2025