Kenya’s Chief Justice Martha Koome has strongly rejected recent allegations of bribery and corruption within the judiciary, stating that no one has ever attempted to bribe her during her tenure.

    Koome, who is the country’s first female Chief Justice, spoke candidly about the accusations that have been circulating in the media, including the term “jurispesa”—a portmanteau of “jurisprudence” and “pesa” (the Swahili word for money)—which is being used to suggest widespread corruption in the judicial system.

“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,” Koome told the hicginewsagency during an interview on the Africa Daily podcast.

The allegations have surfaced in the wake of claims that some judges and judicial officers are involved in corrupt activities. Critics have accused Koome of failing to adequately investigate and address these corruption allegations. However, the Chief Justice defended herself and her colleagues, urging anyone with evidence of corruption to report it to the relevant authorities, such as security agencies or the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

Koome expressed confidence in her integrity and leadership, stating that the recent accusations were an attempt to tarnish her reputation. “These claims are supposed to lower my credibility. It is supposed to distract me. I know who I am and I know what I have done and what I am going to do,” she said.

Despite the controversy, Koome emphasized her commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring that the judiciary remains impartial and transparent. She challenged critics to substantiate their claims with concrete evidence and promised that any allegations would be investigated thoroughly.

The Chief Justice’s comments come at a time when public trust in Kenya’s judicial system has been under scrutiny, with concerns over the influence of money in legal processes. Koome’s firm stance on not tolerating bribery signals her resolve to maintain the integrity of Kenya’s judiciary amidst growing pressures.

As the country’s top judicial officer, Koome has vowed to continue her efforts in addressing the issues of corruption, calling on both the public and judicial officers to work together towards a cleaner and more efficient legal system.

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