‘I’ll Not Resign,’ CJ Hits Out At Critics Says She’s A Victim Of Cyberbullying

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.

Despite the criticism, CJ Koome reaffirmed her commitment to upholding integrity in the Judiciary. She acknowledged that corruption remains a significant challenge but vowed to lead efforts to eradicate it and promote transparency.

“It is corruption that has eaten the fabric of our society and we in the Judiciary occupy a special role in ensuring that we protect our society from these corrupt practices and deal with those matters that come before us firmly,” she asserted.

Her remarks came after she announced plans to meet with Prof. PLO Lumumba to discuss allegations of corruption within the Judiciary.

The meeting, scheduled to include representatives from the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the Senior Counsel Bar, members of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), and court heads, will focus on addressing integrity concerns.

In a statement issued on Monday, December 9, 2024, Koome outlined the agenda for the meeting. She highlighted plans to review ongoing complaints before the JSC and discuss mechanisms the Judiciary has adopted to combat corruption and enhance accountability.

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