In a bold response to recent allegations, Martha Koome has defended her integrity while highlighting the troubling rise of violence against women in Kenya.
Martha Koome Rejects Misogynistic Accusations Amid Corruption Allegations
Martha Koome Rejects Misogynistic Accusations Amid Corruption Allegations
Kenya's first female Chief Justice stands firm against claims of judicial corruption and challenges misogyny.
Kenya’s Chief Justice, Martha Koome, recently addressed a wave of allegations regarding corruption and incompetence within the judiciary, asserting her commitment to justice and integrity. Speaking in an interview with the BBC, Koome stated, “In all these 22 years I’ve been a judge and a chief justice, nobody has ever approached me with a bribe. I would have them arrested.” She emphasized the importance of evidence and urged anyone with claims of corruption to report directly to the proper authorities.
Recently, accusations have emerged suggesting Koome has not adequately addressed bribery in the legal system, leading to terms like “jurispesa,” a blend of “jurisprudence” and the Swahili word “pesa” (money), surfacing to imply corruption in the judiciary. Countering these allegations, the Chief Justice described them as attempts to diminish her credibility, attributing some of the criticism to gender biases, highlighting “total misogyny” and “total chauvinism” against women in roles of power.
Koome also expressed her dedication to combating violence against women—a cause that has gained urgency with reports indicating 100 women and girls have been killed in recent months. Between 2016 and 2024, over 500 women were victims of femicide in Kenya, as noted by the Africa Data Hub. She condemned the lack of progress in rape cases, citing that many are stalled in the courts due to insufficient witnesses.
To make strides in addressing gender-based violence, Koome plans to establish 11 specialized courts focused on these issues, with two already operational in Kisumu and Siaya counties. She stated, “Cases of gender-based violence must be given priority so that the victim who was violated does not keep coming to court, year in year out." This initiative represents her commitment to providing justice for women and ensuring a safer environment for all citizens.
For more news from Africa, visit BBCAfrica.com and follow @BBCAfrica on social media for timely updates.
Recently, accusations have emerged suggesting Koome has not adequately addressed bribery in the legal system, leading to terms like “jurispesa,” a blend of “jurisprudence” and the Swahili word “pesa” (money), surfacing to imply corruption in the judiciary. Countering these allegations, the Chief Justice described them as attempts to diminish her credibility, attributing some of the criticism to gender biases, highlighting “total misogyny” and “total chauvinism” against women in roles of power.
Koome also expressed her dedication to combating violence against women—a cause that has gained urgency with reports indicating 100 women and girls have been killed in recent months. Between 2016 and 2024, over 500 women were victims of femicide in Kenya, as noted by the Africa Data Hub. She condemned the lack of progress in rape cases, citing that many are stalled in the courts due to insufficient witnesses.
To make strides in addressing gender-based violence, Koome plans to establish 11 specialized courts focused on these issues, with two already operational in Kisumu and Siaya counties. She stated, “Cases of gender-based violence must be given priority so that the victim who was violated does not keep coming to court, year in year out." This initiative represents her commitment to providing justice for women and ensuring a safer environment for all citizens.
For more news from Africa, visit BBCAfrica.com and follow @BBCAfrica on social media for timely updates.
