In brief
Kenya's first female chief justice, Martha Koome, has publicly condemned recent allegations of bribery within the judiciary as nothing more than a misogynistic attempt to undermine her leadership. Despite the country's troubling history with judicial corruption, Koome asserts that no one has ever attempted to bribe her in her 22 years of service. She stresses the importance of presenting tangible evidence for any accusations and pledges to maintain her impartiality while tackling the pervasive issue of gender-based violence in Kenya.
In a recent interview, Koome shared her determination to improve access to justice, particularly for women victims of violence. She revealed plans to establish specialized courts across the nation to expedite cases related to sexual and gender-based crimes. With increasing reports of femicide and domestic violence, Koome's initiatives aim to address the urgent need for justice and support within a system historically marred by gender biases and corruption. Her focus on empowering women and ensuring their safety marks a pivotal movement towards a more equitable legal landscape in Kenya.
