CJ Koome condemns abductions, lauds lawyers support for judiciary

Chief Justice Martha Koome has lauded lawyers for standing in solidarity with the judiciary at the time it was being lynched and persecuted on accusations of graft earlier this year.

The judiciary experienced public criticism in January and February when its officials were accused of corruption and perceived to be anti-government, while Law Society of Kenya members supported the judiciary.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the advocates across the country who, earlier this year, stood in solidarity with the Judiciary when the courts faced public criticism for simply performing their duty of interpreting and enforcing the law. I also extend my appreciation to all of you for condemning impunity and defiance of court orders," stated Koome.

In a statement read by Mombasa Principal Judge Olga Sewe during the opening of the Law Society of Kenya annual conference, Koome said the judiciary will increase operations of court user committees to ensure regular bar bench (meetings between judges and magistrates, and advocates) to address any challenges lawyers may face concerning service delivery.

However, Koome pointed out that some lawyers bring unfounded claims of wrongdoing against judges and magistrates.

"Such baseless accusations, when unsupported by evidence, erode public confidence in our justice system, undermining the authority of the courts, the work of advocates, and our collective goal of entrenching the rule of law as a fundamental guiding principle for our nation," she stated.

She said a cordial relationship between judges, magistrates and lawyers is necessary for pursuit of goals espoused by the constitution - social justice, rule of law and sustainable development.

The CJ said the judiciary advocates and citizens of Kenya have a responsibility to work to achieve such goals.

"Indeed, the events of recent weeks, marked by demands from our youth for good governance, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law, highlight the enduring importance of the values and aspirations," said the CJ.

"The unfortunate incidents, such as abductions of protesters and the recent cases of femicides, demonstrate that the full promise of our transformative constitution is yet to be fulfilled. As members of the judiciary and the legal fraternity, we cannot afford to ignore these challenges, as they strike at the heart of the rule of law, good governance and social justice in our country."