PLO Lumumba seeks meeting with CJ Koome over alleged graft in Judiciary

Constitutional lawyer PLO Lumumba has formally written to Chief Justice Martha Koome, requesting a meeting to discuss strategies to restore the credibility of Kenya's judiciary and address concerns about alleged corruption, described as "jurispesa."

In his letter dated December 5, 2024, Lumumba highlighted the critical role of the Judiciary in the country.

"A country can survive a bad Executive. It can even survive a bad Legislature, but it cannot survive a bad Judiciary," Lumumba said.

He expressed concern that the Judiciary is at a crossroads, despite the efforts of some judicial officers.

Lumumba referenced claims by lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi, who alleged that some judicial officers demand financial or other inducements to render favourable rulings.

In a social media post dated November 30, 2024, Ahmednasir claimed that a judge in Mombasa was soliciting bribes through an appointed agent, trading in court proceedings.

"A judge in Mombasa is collecting money from businessmen left, right and centre. He appointed an agent to collect monies and is trading with court proceedings. If the CJ @CJMarthaKoome, @jsckenya are interested...let @LawSocietyofKe @FaithOdhiambo8 @Kenyajudiciary know!" the post read.

Lumumba described the allegations as serious and urged immediate action by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). He stressed that these claims, which have gained public attention, cannot be dismissed lightly.

The constitutional lawyer also shared concerns about the Judiciary's reputation abroad.

"Whenever I travel outside Kenya, a number of people make reference to Kenya's corrupt judiciary," he said.

Lumumba proposed a meeting with Chief Justice Koome, accompanied by three other advocates, to discuss measures to redeem the Judiciary's image and integrity.

Corruption accusations

The allegations come two weeks after the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA) criticised the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) for accusing judges and the Judiciary’s workers of corruption.

In a statement issued by LSK President Faith Odhiambo on Wednesday, the lawyers condemned the JSC, accusing it of failing to address corruption, promote transparency, and safeguard the independence of the judiciary.

However, the KMJA, through its executive council, stated that the Constitution, the Judicial Service Act, and other laws have established mechanisms to address judicial misconduct. It noted that the JSC has systems in place for handling complaints against judges, judicial officers, and staff.

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The association said institutions like the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission are available for such scrutiny and urged the LSK to use these frameworks to address their concerns.

The KMJA emphasised that a collaborative approach could ensure accountability while maintaining the dignity and integrity of all parties involved.

"The executive council acknowledges the role and commitment of the LSK in the administration of justice. In this respect, the Judiciary, the Judicial Service Commission, and the LSK are partners," KMJA President Stephen Radido said.

Justice Radido added that while the KMJA recognises the pressing concerns raised by the LSK regarding corruption and inefficiencies within the judiciary, the LSK should also approach these matters transparently.

The KMJA further pointed out that the LSK has two representatives in the JSC to help fulfil its constitutional mandate of promoting justice and the rule of law.

It urged the LSK to engage in constructive dialogue to address weaknesses in the Judiciary's institutional framework.