Chief Justice Martha Koome has unveiled a new strategy to tackle corruption within the Judiciary, announcing a partnership with the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). Speaking on Tuesday, CJ Koome acknowledged mounting scrutiny on the courts and outlined measures to improve integrity and public trust.
“We are now complementing the complaints-based approach with an intelligence-led model by working closely with the EACC and NIS,” Koome stated. This collaboration aims to proactively identify corruption patterns, hotspots, and individuals engaging in graft.
Koome reiterated the Judiciary’s commitment to zero tolerance for corruption, insisting, “The Judiciary is a corruption-free zone, and we will enforce this policy without fear or favour.”
The Chief Justice admitted that gaps exist in the justice system, describing the intensified criticism as “a moment of reckoning and an opportunity for deep reflection and reform.” She emphasized the importance of preserving judicial integrity, stating, “Justice cannot be for sale or compromised.”
Addressing delays in court verdicts, Koome directed the alignment of court calendars and called for an end to unnecessary case adjournments, which have drawn criticism from figures such as former Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi.
Though specifics on the NIS’s role within the Judiciary remain unclear, Koome expressed optimism that intelligence-driven interventions would strengthen efforts to curb corruption.
“We are determined to protect the integrity of the Judiciary and create a culture where corruption cannot thrive,” she concluded.
This latest initiative comes as Koome and her Supreme Court colleagues face pressure over their handling of high-profile cases.
