Uhuru, Chief Justice Koome draw the line

Chief Justice Martha Koome with her family pose for a photo with President Uhuru Kenyatta after she was sworn in at Statehouse.

Chief Justice Martha Koome yesterday vowed to defend the independence of the Judiciary as she seeks to mend broken relationships between the institution, the Executive and Parliament.

In her maiden speech on the steps of the Supreme Court building, Lady Justice Koome urged each arm of government ‘to bear its own weight’ to ensure the broken chain is mended and strong again.

With the Executive always under attack for disobeying court orders, Koome said this should change.

“The weight and responsibility that now falls on my shoulders as the Chief Justice of Kenya cannot be understated. It is a heavy one but it comes lighter because it is a shared responsibility. It is a shared responsibility because justice works through a chain, which runs through all branches of government, and it is as strongest as its weakest link. At the end of the chain is us the Judiciary but we cannot work when the chain is broken.We must always restore the co-ordination that requires new commitment working together as co-equal branches of government,” she said.

“I have no difficulties to state the independence of the Judiciary in decision making cannot be interfered with. As the Judiciary, we are accountable for the resources entrusted to us. Everybody should bear his or her own weight. Justice belongs to all of us. The executive has duty to ensure budgetary allocations that support the functions of the Judiciary, to ensure to get the necessary support for court orders to be obeyed and implemented, that investigation are prosecutions of cases are undertaken efficiently, the Legislature has role to oversight other branches including approve nominations.”

Koome said she is the first but not last of women to get to the helm of the Judiciary.

She narrated her journey to the top seat while imploring politicians to emulate her and new Supreme Court judge William Ouko. The two were classmates at the Law School and were Court of Appeal judges, with Justice Ouko being Justice Koome’s boss.

Earlier, at State House, President Uhuru Kenyatta chose not to read a written speech, instead, turning to Kiswahili to implore her to ensure justice prevails.

“What a great day this is as we celebrate the confirmation of a new Chief Justice. It is an honour to swear in the first female CJ of the Republic of Kenya. I purposely said I would not; it is not for me to tell you how to execute your work. Just to remind you the oath you have taken. Mine is to wish you God’s blessings, we will pray for you and we know you will succeed.

“We will be there to partner with you and we pray for your success. Justice Ouko both of you mmetoka kwa grassroots, nyinyi ni watu wa system, fanya haki tu,” said Uhuru.

 Kamau Muthoni