CJ Koome to cyberbullies: ‘I won’t succumb to your vitriol'

Kenya's Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Koome has spoken out against what she describes as persistent attempts to force her quit through cyberbullying and other forms of intimidation.

Speaking at the Inaugural High Court Human Rights Summit in Nairobi, CJ Koome highlighted the emotional toll such attacks have had on her, but firmly stated she will stay put.

“When I speak, I always confess that I’m a victim of cyberbullying or, as it is called, technologically facilitated gender-based violence,” CJ Koome said.

She acknowledged that some trolls are driven by business motives, but questioned their ultimate goals.

“Maybe it’s to scare, distract, defame, and hound me out of office, but they can try something else,” she remarked defiantly.

However, CJ Koome did not name specific individuals or groups behind the attacks.

She quickly emphasized that such acts are unacceptable.

Her comments come amid heightened scrutiny of the judiciary, with criticism coming from various sectors, including prominent lawyers and civil society groups.

Despite the challenges, the CJ reaffirmed the judiciary’s resolve to combat corruption in Kenya.

She described corruption as a “vice that has eaten the fabric of society” and stressed that the judiciary’s role is to protect the public from such practices.

The President of the Judiciary also acknowledged the significant obstacles faced by that arm of government, including underfunding and other existential threats, but vowed that those challenges would not derail the institution’s mission.

“We in the judiciary occupy a special role of ensuring that we protect our society from these corrupt practices,” she said. 

Her remarks underscored the judiciary’s broader commitment to upholding human rights and justice for all citizens.

She highlighted the judiciary’s intervention during the recent Gen Z-led protests as a notable example of its dedication to human rights.

During the protests, the High Court of Kenya played a critical role in balancing law enforcement with the constitutional right to peaceful protest.

“By holding law enforcement accountable and upholding citizens’ rights, the High Court showcased a judicial system that is not only robust but also conscious of its role as a defender of democracy and fundamental freedoms,” she noted.

CJ Koome also lauded the judiciary’s proactive use of habeas corpus to address cases of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial actions.

She further praised the High Court’s readiness to issue orders compelling law enforcement agencies to produce unlawfully detained individuals, reinforcing the judiciary’s role in safeguarding citizens’ rights.