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Sunday, 13 September 2026
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Sunday, 13 September 2026
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Kenyan press · Person

Martha Koome

Also known as: Chief Justice Martha Koome · Chief Justice Koome · JSC chairperson and Chief Justice Martha Koome · Justice Koome · CJ Martha Koome · JSC Chairperson Martha Koome · former IG called Koome

Chief Justice of Kenya, who has warned against judicial corruption and launched alternative justice initiatives in counties.

2026-04-282026-09-13

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. May 2026
  2. Citizen Digital

    a mounts unified campaign for Justice Njoki Ndung’u’s ICC bid By Citizen Reporter May 06, 2026 06:38 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter President William Ruto in a brief meeting with Chief Justice Martha Koome

    Kenya mounts unified campaign for Justice Njoki Ndung’u’s ICC bid
  3. The Standard

    Chief Justice Martha Koome said he demonstrated the competence and integrity required for the position.Justice Warsame brings decades of judicial experience to the apex court, having served in multiple key positions within Kenya’s judiciary.

    Ruto appoints Justice Warsame to Supreme Court
  4. Citizen Digital

    SHE MEANS BUSINESS| Chief Justice Martha Koome: My life courting courage By Claire Munde May 05, 2026 11:47 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Audio By Vocalize Chief Justice Martha Koome has opened up about h

    SHE MEANS BUSINESS| Chief Justice Martha Koome: My life courting courage
  5. The Standard

    Subscribe to our newsletterHe pointed to the growth of mediation since 2016, saying thousands of cases have been resolved and billions of shillings unlocked into the economy, citing figures from Chief Justice Martha Koome.The two sides also differ on proposed reforms.

    Row erupts over who qualifies to mediate disputes in Kenya
  6. The Standard

    JSC chairperson and Chief Justice Martha Koome announces Justice Mohamed Warsame as nominee for Supreme Court judge at the CBK Pension Towers in Nairobi on April 29, 2026.

    Carrot and stick: JSC interviews underscore need for legal reforms, accountability and performance
  7. The Standard

    Win for TSC as Supreme Court suspends ruling declaring internship programme unconstitutional. [File, Standard] In a ruling rendered by a six-judge bench of the apex court led by Chief Justice Martha Koome, and including Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, and Justices William O

    Win for TSC as Supreme court halts internship programme ruling
  8. April 2026
  9. The Standard

    Chief Justice Martha Koome said Justice Warsame depicted competence and integrity for the position.

    Warsame gets JSC nod to replace Ibrahim at the Supreme Court
  10. The Standard

    Chief Justice Martha Koome said Justice Warsame depicted competence and integrity for the position.

    Justice Warsame: Judge gets clean bill for the Supreme Court bench
  11. Capital News

    Chief Justice Martha Koome said the new framework will provide structured and transparent reporting on judicial performance while safeguarding judicial independence and institutional integrity.

    Judiciary to publish judges’ performance data from July 2026 in accountability drive
  12. Capital News

    JSC Chairperson Chief Justice Martha Koome said the Commission received six applications, shortlisted five candidates, and conducted extensive background checks in collaboration with relevant constitutional bodies and security agencies.

    JSC nominates Justice Mohamed Warsame to Supreme Court to replace late Justice Ibrahim

Thursday 10 September

  1. Duncan Ojwang sworn in as fourth IPOA chairperson

    Duncan Ojwang Oburu has taken charge of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) for a six-year term following appointment by President William Ruto and approval by the National Assembly. He replaces Justice Ahmed Issack Hassan, who relinquished the position in February 2026 after his appointment to the Court of Appeal.

    10 September 2026 · The Standard

  2. CJ Koome urges TSC commissioners to prioritise teachers welfare

    Chief Justice Martha Koome challenged newly appointed TSC commissioners Wilson Sossion and Antonina Lentoijoni to treat their positions as a responsibility to serve Kenyans, emphasizing that their tenure should be defined by integrity, constitutionalism, and impact on teachers and learners.

    10 September 2026 · The Standard

Saturday 29 August

  1. Tear gas dispersed at Linda Mwananchi rally in Migori

    Siaya Governor James Orengo and the Linda Mwananchi team were attacked in Migori on Saturday after tear gas was discharged during a rally; the team condemned the incident as an attempt on their lives and pledged to continue their campaign to vote out President William Ruto in the 2027 polls.

    29 August 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Muturi calls on judiciary to prepare election dispute mechanisms

    Former Attorney General Justin Muturi has urged Chief Justice Martha Koome to activate the Judiciary's elections committee and establish clear timelines for resolving election-related disputes ahead of the 2027 General Election, arguing that special arrangements should be put in place proactively rather than during an electoral crisis.

    29 August 2026 · Citizen Digital

Monday 24 August

  1. Kangema magistrate charged with receiving Sh150,000 bribe

    Suspended Kangema Senior Principal Magistrate Martin Kinyua Mutegi has been charged with receiving a bribe and arraigned before the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court. Mutegi was arrested last month by the EACC at a restaurant in Kangema Township alongside a Senior Probation Officer, allegedly caught receiving Sh150,000 in marked money from a businessman seeking a favourable sentence.

    24 August 2026 · Capital News

  2. Suspended Kangema magistrate charged with bribery, released on bail

    Suspended Kangema Magistrate Martin Kinyua Mutegi has been charged with requesting a Sh170,000 bribe and receiving a Sh150,000 bribe to influence a convicted businessman's sentence. He pleaded not guilty before the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court and was released on Sh400,000 cash bail.

    24 August 2026 · The Standard

Thursday 20 August

  1. Supreme Court halts Sh1.5bn recovery in Ruaraka land case

    The Supreme Court has issued temporary orders stopping the recovery of Sh1.5 billion in compensation paid for land occupied by Ruaraka High School and Drive-In Primary School, pending the hearing of an application by Huelands Limited. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission cannot proceed with recovery efforts or enforcement measures while the interim orders remain in effect.

    20 August 2026 · The Standard

Tuesday 18 August

  1. NCIC summons Gachagua over alleged inflammatory utterances

    The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has summoned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to appear before it over alleged utterances under investigation for possible violations relating to hate speech and incitement. The investigations relate to various utterances allegedly made by Gachagua on different dates and at public forums, including an alleged utterance made on February 23, 2026, at Gusii Stadium in Kisii County.

    18 August 2026 · Citizen Digital

Monday 17 August

  1. Chief Justice Koome disowns fabricated letter circulating on social media

    The Judiciary issued a public notice dismissing a letter purportedly signed by Chief Justice Martha Koome as fabricated, warning the public against using it to advance political narratives. The fake document, bearing the Supreme Court and Chief Justice office letterhead, falsely claims to address alleged attempts to interfere with the independence of the Supreme Court and names former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, former Chief Justice David Maraga, and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

    17 August 2026 · Capital News

Tuesday 11 August

  1. Junet Mohamed denies receiving money for Gachagua impeachment

    Suna East MP Junet Mohamed denied receiving money to support the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, clarifying that his earlier remarks about MPs being given "something" referred to general lobbying within Parliament, not personal payment to him.

    11 August 2026 · Citizen Digital

Thursday 6 August

  1. Chief Justice warns judiciary against corruption and bribery

    Chief Justice Martha Koome has warned judges, magistrates and judicial staff against engaging in corruption and bribery, saying integrity is the foundation of a credible justice system and that the Judiciary has zero tolerance for corruption.

    6 August 2026 · The Standard

  2. DPP warns of prosecution for political incitement, gang sponsorship

    The Director of Public Prosecutions has warned politicians against fuelling political intolerance through inflammatory remarks and sponsoring criminal gangs, stating his office will pursue further arrests to safeguard peace and the rule of law. The warning follows the arrest of Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia and comes amid heightened political tensions.

    6 August 2026 · The Standard

  3. CJ Koome warns of crisis in Bungoma teenage pregnancies

    Chief Justice Martha Koome has expressed concern over a surge in teenage pregnancies in Bungoma County, describing it as a child justice crisis. With 125 pending defilement cases at Bungoma Law Courts, she called for a whole-of-society approach and the establishment of a County Action Plan involving the Judiciary, county government, and relevant stakeholders.

    6 August 2026 · The Standard

Tuesday 4 August

  1. Bomet County launches alternative justice systems framework

    Chief Justice Martha Koome has launched an Alternative Justice Systems framework in Bomet County designed to bring faster, more accessible dispute resolution through mediation, dialogue, and traditional mechanisms alongside the formal courts. The initiative brings together community elders, religious leaders, mediators, and civil society organizations, with registries established in Bomet and Sotik to coordinate referrals and maintain records, though serious criminal offences will remain under formal jurisdiction.

    4 August 2026 · Capital News

Monday 3 August

  1. High Court issues interim orders halting LSK boycott

    Kenya's High Court has issued interim orders stopping the Law Society of Kenya from disrupting court proceedings pending the determination of a preliminary objection to the court's jurisdiction. Justice David Mburu said the orders were necessary to restore order within the Judiciary and ensure court operations continue without interference.

    3 August 2026 · Capital News

  2. Police arrest suspected drug trafficker in Migori pursuit

    Police in Nyatike Sub-County, Migori County arrested a suspected drug trafficker and seized cannabis sativa following a high-speed motorcycle pursuit. The arrest is part of an escalating anti-narcotics campaign across Migori County.

    3 August 2026 · Capital News

  3. High Court restrains LSK from disrupting judicial proceedings

    The High Court has issued conservatory orders restraining the Law Society of Kenya from disrupting court proceedings before Judges and Judicial Officers pending the hearing of a preliminary objection challenging the court's jurisdiction. Judge David Mburu said the orders were necessary to restore order within the Judiciary and ensure court proceedings continue without interference.

    3 August 2026 · Citizen Digital

  4. High Court suspends LSK boycott against CJ Koome and other judges

    The High Court has issued interim orders suspending the Law Society of Kenya's nationwide boycott against Chief Justice Martha Koome, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, and other judges and judicial officers over allegations of gross misconduct and corruption. The court barred LSK from disrupting court proceedings pending the hearing and determination of the case.

    3 August 2026 · The Standard

Saturday 1 August

  1. Chief Justice launches book documenting achievements of Kenyan women leaders

    Chief Justice Martha Koome has called on Kenya to preserve the legacy of pioneering women leaders, saying their achievements offer a blueprint for economic growth and institutional development. Koome launched her book, Distinguished Women Leaders, which chronicles prominent Kenyan women whose careers have helped shape the country's corporate, legal, education, healthcare and public sectors.

    1 August 2026 · Capital News

Friday 31 July

  1. JSC defends accountability record, opposes LSK court boycott

    The Judicial Service Commission has defended its judicial accountability record, saying it received 506 complaints against judges this year and has processed 417 of them, while warning that the Law Society of Kenya's planned boycott of selected courts risks disrupting access to justice.

    31 July 2026 · Capital News

  2. JSC urges lawyers to end judicial boycott after LSK meeting

    The Judicial Service Commission has criticized lawyers' boycott of judges and judicial officers, saying it disrupts court proceedings and delays justice. Following a meeting with the Law Society of Kenya and Senior Counsel Bar, JSC Chairperson Martha Koome stated that judicial conduct concerns should be addressed through constitutional mechanisms, and both parties agreed to work together against corruption and unethical conduct.

    31 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  3. 2007 sexual violence survivors seek justice and compensation at Supreme Court

    Seven survivors of 2007–2008 post-election sexual violence, supported by rights organizations, argued before Kenya's Supreme Court that the government has failed to compensate them and prosecute perpetrators, including police. The Attorney General, DPP, and IPOA opposed the case, claiming the government pursued at least 300 sexual violence cases during the period.

    31 July 2026 · The Standard

  4. High Court declines to suspend Law Society boycott

    Justice David Mburu declined an application to suspend the Law Society of Kenya's targeted boycott against Chief Justice Martha Koome, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu and other judicial officers, deferring the matter to August 3, 2026 after a meeting between the JSC and LSK leadership began to attempt resolution.

    31 July 2026 · The Standard

Wednesday 29 July

  1. DPP warns politicians of prosecution for hate speech before 2027 election

    The Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga warned politicians and individuals fuelling political tensions and goonism that they will face the full force of the law ahead of the 2027 General Election. Speaking at the NCAJ Conference in Mombasa, Ingonga said his office is working with the DCI and NCIC to prosecute those found responsible for inflammatory rhetoric and disruption of political gatherings.

    29 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. NCAJ reactivates election preparedness committee for 2027

    The National Council on the Administration of Justice has reactivated its Ad Hoc Committee on Election Preparedness to coordinate the justice sector ahead of the 2027 General Election, following IEBC briefings on the electoral roadmap. The committee, chaired by the IEBC Chairperson, will focus on enhancing justice-sector readiness and inter-agency collaboration throughout the electoral cycle.

    29 July 2026 · Capital News

  3. EACC calls for digital transformation in public institutions

    The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has called for accelerated digital transformation across public institutions, saying technology is critical to sealing corruption loopholes, improving transparency and strengthening accountability. The EACC CEO said digital systems should become central to justice sector operations to improve detection, investigation and prosecution of corruption cases.

    29 July 2026 · The Standard

Tuesday 28 July

  1. DPP approves bribery charges against Kangema magistrate, officer

    The Director of Public Prosecutions has approved bribery charges against Kangema Law Courts Senior Principal Magistrate Martin Kinyua and Probation Officer Julius Irungu after the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission submitted an inquiry file. According to the EACC preliminary report, Irungu approached a complainant on behalf of Kinyua and demanded Ksh.170,000, claiming it would secure a non-custodial sentence through a favourable probation recommendation.

    28 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. DPP approves bribery charges against Kangema magistrate and probation officer

    The Director of Public Prosecutions has approved charges against Senior Principal Magistrate Martin Kinyua Mutegi and Senior Probation Officer Julius Irungu Njogu for allegedly soliciting a Sh170,000 bribe from a Murang'a businessman to influence a criminal case outcome. The EACC investigation found sufficient evidence for prosecution, and the DPP has directed the suspects be charged immediately.

    28 July 2026 · Capital News

Monday 27 July

  1. Chief Justice Koome unveils five justice sector reform instruments

    Chief Justice Martha Koome has unveiled five justice sector reform instruments aimed at accelerating digital transformation, strengthening responses to sexual and gender-based violence, and enhancing access to justice through greater institutional coordination. Speaking at the 38th National Council on the Administration of Justice meeting in Mombasa, Koome said the reforms are designed to build a justice system that is fair, efficient, accessible and responsive to the needs of all Kenyans.

    27 July 2026 · Capital News

  2. Lawyer petitions High Court to halt LSK's judicial boycott

    A city lawyer has filed a High Court petition seeking conservatory orders to suspend the Law Society of Kenya's targeted boycott of judges and judicial officers, arguing the action is unconstitutional, undermines judicial independence, and denies litigants access to justice.

    27 July 2026 · The Standard

Martha Koome — Kenyan press coverage · Kenya Minute