Chief Justice Martha Koome has dismissed calls for her resignation, stating that she remains undeterred by critics.

Koome urged those attempting to defame her to reconsider their plan, as she has no intention of stepping down.

The CJ revealed that she has frequently been a victim of cyberbullying and expressed confusion over the motives behind such attacks.

Without naming her critics, Koome emphasized that their disparaging remarks and actions would not deter her from performing her duties.

“When I speak, I always confess that I’m a victim of cyberbullying—or is it called technologically facilitated gender-based violence? But I know the intention. It’s a business model; I don’t know to achieve what. Maybe to scare, distract, defame, or hound me out of office, but they can try something else,” Koome said.

The Chief Justice reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to combating corruption in the country, despite the challenges posed by existential threats and underfunding.

She underscored that these challenges would not deter the Judiciary from executing its mandate.

This comes amid ongoing criticism of the Judiciary from various quarters, including prominent lawyers and human rights organizations, who have accused the institution of corruption.

Koome has been at the forefront of urging those with evidence of corruption within the Judiciary to come forward and present the necessary details to facilitate investigations and appropriate action. 

The Chief Justice also agreed on Tuesday to meet with Professor PLO Lumumba to discuss allegations of corruption within the Judiciary.

Stakeholder dialogue

Her decision followed a letter from Lumumba on December 5, requesting a meeting to address ways to restore the Judiciary’s integrity.

Lumumba had criticized the Judiciary over allegations made by lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi regarding judicial officers in Mombasa who were allegedly accepting bribes or other inducements in exchange for favorable rulings, a practice he referred to as “JurisPesa.”

In response, Koome confirmed that the meeting would include representatives from the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the Senior Counsel Bar, members of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), and court heads.

The meeting’s agenda will focus on creating a comprehensive and actionable roadmap to address corruption and misconduct within the Judiciary.

It will also ensure that complaints from the legal profession and the public include sufficient details for immediate action by the JSC.

Koome added that updates on complaints currently before the JSC would be provided, along with a discussion of mechanisms adopted by the Judiciary to combat corruption and enhance transparency and accountability.

“I have accepted and convened a consultative meeting to comprehensively discuss concerns regarding integrity within the Judiciary and the legal profession,” Koome stated.

Additionally, the Chief Justice has directed the Secretary of the JSC to deploy an investigative team to engage directly with Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi over allegations of judicial bribery. 

Abdullahi’s claims have sparked intense public debate on the integrity of Kenya’s Judiciary.

However, Koome noted that the allegations lacked critical details, such as the identities of those allegedly involved. By Sharon Resian, Capital News

Move marks anniversary of Tanganyika’s independence from British rule

Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Monday granted a presidential pardon to 1,548 prisoners in honour of the 63rd anniversary of independence for Mainland Tanzania.

Of those pardoned, 22 were released immediately, while the remaining 1,526 will serve reduced sentences.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Ministry of Internal Affairs expressed hope that the pardoned individuals would successfully reintegrate into society and contribute positively to nation-building.

"The Government expects that the prisoners released today will return to society, cooperate with their fellow citizens in building our nation, and avoid actions that would lead them back to prison," the ministry said.

The annual celebrations of independence not only reflect on Tanzania’s freedom from colonial rule but also emphasize its enduring values of unity, justice, and progress. This year’s presidential pardon serves as a reminder of the balance between compassion and accountability in fostering a more inclusive and harmonious nation.

Mainland Independence Day commemorates Tanganyika’s historic liberation from British colonial rule in 1961, marked by the lowering of the British flag and the raising of its own. The Freedom Torch, symbolizing hope and liberation, was famously placed atop Mount Kilimanjaro, representing a vision of progress for all of Africa.

This independence also set the stage for the 1964 union with Zanzibar, leading to the formation of the United Republic of Tanzania. By Lulu Angelo Sanga, Anadolu Agency