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Monday, 15 June 2026
Kenya’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 15 June 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

Chief Justice of Kenya who presides over judicial appointments, court administration, and constitutional matters.

2026-04-282026-06-15

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. April 2026
  2. Citizen Digital

    questions to ask you because we recently interviewed you successfully for the judge of Court of Appeal and you have hardly been there for three months… Under normal HR practice, at least one stays in a job for six months to be evaluated for promotion,” Chief Justice Martha Koome

    Supreme Court interview: Katwa Kigen addresses concerns over past ties to President Ruto
  3. Citizen Digital

    WATCH LIVE: JSC Conducts Interviews For a Supreme Court Judge By Citizen Reporter April 28, 2026 12:16 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Chief Justice Martha Koome, chairperson of Judicial Service Commission.

    JSC Conducts Interviews For a Supreme Court Judge
  4. Capital News

    She made the remarks while appearing before a JSC selection panel chaired by Chief Justice Martha Koome, as interviews for the position commenced Tuesday.

    Anne Makori Tells JSC Panel Her Experience Makes Her Fit for Supreme Court Judge Role
  5. The Standard

    When Chief Justcie Martha Koome pressed as to why he did not submit the form he siad that wealth declaration made before was sufficient for two years and his assets had not changed and he thought the one he produced during his appellate court application was sufficient.

    Katwa Kigen: I will be fair in any case involving President Ruto
  6. The Standard

    But Makori did not provide the document either in her online application or at the interview.Chief Justice Martha Koome, who chairs the JSC, noted the omission while reviewing the file.

    Ex-IPOA chair Anne Makori fails to declare wealth, says she forgot documents
Politics

Lawyer warns Kenya breeding culture of lawlessness

The News

Advocate Evans Ogada has warned that Kenya is "breeding a culture of lawlessness" by repeatedly defying court orders, citing the government's continued push for a US-linked Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base despite a court order blocking it. He called on Chief Justice Martha Koome to act decisively against those flouting court orders.

4 June 2026 · The Standard

Thursday 4 June

  1. Lawyer warns Kenya breeding culture of lawlessness

    Advocate Evans Ogada has warned that Kenya is "breeding a culture of lawlessness" by repeatedly defying court orders, citing the government's continued push for a US-linked Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base despite a court order blocking it. He called on Chief Justice Martha Koome to act decisively against those flouting court orders.

    4 June 2026 · The Standard

Friday 29 May

  1. CJ Koome appoints acting Court of Appeal president before June election

    Chief Justice Martha Koome has appointed Lady Justice Wanjiru Karanja as Acting President of the Court of Appeal following the expiry of Justice Daniel Musinga's five-year term. A substantive president will be elected by judges of the appellate court on June 22, 2026.

    29 May 2026 · Capital News

  2. Chief Justice calls for school safety review after Utumishi fire

    Chief Justice Martha Koome has urged a comprehensive review of school safety standards following a deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil that killed 16 people. The Education Cabinet Secretary said the school failed to comply with safety regulations, including overcrowding and a locked exit door.

    29 May 2026 · The Standard

Monday 25 May

  1. Chief Justice urges new advocates to expand justice access

    Chief Justice Martha Koome challenged newly admitted advocates to use their legal training to bridge Kenya's justice gap and extend legal services to vulnerable and marginalised Kenyans, urging them to blend professional excellence with compassion and uphold the human face of the law.

    25 May 2026 · Capital News

  2. Tour operators urge Kenya governments to upgrade tourism infrastructure

    Tour operators have called on national and county governments to urgently improve infrastructure in key tourism destinations, citing poor roads, inadequate park facilities, and weak air connectivity as threats to Kenya's tourism competitiveness and visitor experience.

    25 May 2026 · The Standard

  3. Chief Government Pathologist admitted to roll of advocates

    Dr Johansen Oduor, the Chief Government Pathologist, has been admitted to the roll of advocates of the High Court of Kenya after completing legal training. He was enrolled as an advocate during a ceremony presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome, joining 166 lawyers called to the Bar.

    25 May 2026 · The Standard

Wednesday 20 May

  1. NCIC Chairman warns leaders against hate speech before 2027 elections

    Newly sworn-in National Cohesion and Integration Commission Chairman Kepha Omae has called on political leaders and citizens to reject divisive rhetoric ahead of the 2027 General Election, urging restraint and warning that freedom of expression should not undermine national unity. He is also appealing to Parliament to fast-track the enactment of the proposed NCIC Act 2026 to strengthen the commission's mandate.

    20 May 2026 · Capital News

  2. Makueni Governor Mutula joins Kenya Law Reform Commission

    Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has been sworn in as a commissioner of the Kenya Law Reform Commission alongside Annette Imbuhila Wangia on May 20, 2026, following his nomination by the Council of Governors and gazettement by the Attorney General. He will serve a five-year term and is expected to strengthen legal reforms tied to devolution, governance and access to justice.

    20 May 2026 · The Standard

  3. NCIC's new seven-member team sworn in, pledges hate speech crackdown

    The newly appointed commissioners of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, led by Dr Kepha Nyamweya, were sworn in on Wednesday and committed to addressing hate speech, ethnic profiling and political intolerance ahead of the 2027 General Election.

    20 May 2026 · The Standard

  4. Adan Mohamed sworn in as KRA Commissioner General

    Former Industrialisation Cabinet Secretary Adan Mohamed was sworn in on Wednesday as Commissioner General of the Kenya Revenue Authority for a three-year term, replacing Humphrey Wattanga. His appointment has been challenged in court by Benard Opere on grounds that Mohamed had exceeded the retirement age of 60 years for public officers.

    20 May 2026 · The Standard

Monday 18 May

  1. CJ Koome urges courts to reduce case backlog urgently

    Chief Justice Martha Koome has called on Heads of Station to intensify efforts to reduce case backlog, saying delayed justice undermines confidence in the court system and urging urgent administrative interventions. Koome noted that nearly 85 percent of cases in Kenya are handled at subordinate court level through Magistrates' Courts and Small Claims Courts.

    18 May 2026 · Citizen Digital

Wednesday 13 May

  1. Kenya formally endorses Justice Njoki Ndung'u for ICC judge position

    President William Ruto launched Justice Njoki Ndung'u's candidature for the International Criminal Court judge position at State House Nairobi on Wednesday, calling it a national endorsement and urging Kenyans to support her bid. Ruto highlighted Justice Njoki's over three decades of service as a State counsel, Nominated MP, constitutional reform advocate, and Supreme Court judge.

    13 May 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Kenya formally endorses Justice Njoki Ndung'u for ICC judge position

    President William Ruto launched Lady Justice Njoki Ndung'u's candidature for the International Criminal Court judge position at State House Nairobi on Wednesday, calling it a national endorsement and emphasizing Kenya's commitment to international justice and a rules-based international order.

    13 May 2026 · Capital News

  3. Cardiologist cross-examined over medical timelines in Gachagua impeachment case

    Dr Dan Gikonyo faced sustained questioning in High Court over inconsistencies in his affidavit and discrepancies in hospital timelines related to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's impeachment case. The proceedings are part of the legal battle following Gachagua's October 2024 removal from office by Parliament.

    13 May 2026 · Capital News

  4. Ruto campaigns for Justice Ndung'u's ICC judge candidacy

    President William Ruto has stepped up Kenya's diplomatic push for Justice Njoki Ndung'u to be elected as an ICC judge, introducing her to leaders from numerous African and international countries during the Africa Forward Summit. Kenya is seeking support from the 125 member states of the Rome Statute, emphasising Justice Ndung'u's legal experience and contributions to constitutional jurisprudence.

    13 May 2026 · Capital News

Tuesday 12 May

  1. Gachagua seeks to strike out appeal over court bench empanelment

    Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has filed a preliminary objection before the Supreme Court to strike out an appeal challenging the empanelment of the High Court bench hearing his impeachment-related petitions, arguing the dispute has been resolved after the Chief Justice reconstituted the bench following a Court of Appeal decision.

    12 May 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Gachagua asks Supreme Court to dismiss bench empanelment appeal

    Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has moved to the Supreme Court seeking to strike out an appeal challenging the High Court bench handling impeachment petitions, arguing the issue is moot after the Chief Justice reconstituted the bench following a Court of Appeal ruling.

    12 May 2026 · Capital News

Friday 8 May

  1. Chief Justice Koome launches inaugural Judges' Book Fair

    The Judiciary launched its inaugural Judges' Book Fair in Nairobi at the Kenya National Library Services, with Chief Justice Martha Koome emphasizing the initiative's role in strengthening legal scholarship, research, and knowledge sharing. The event aligns with the Judiciary's Social Transformation through Access to Justice blueprint and brings together judges, judicial officers, legal scholars, and members of the legal fraternity to showcase intellectual work.

    8 May 2026 · Capital News

Thursday 7 May

  1. Chief Justice honours late Court of Appeal Judge Frederick Ochieng

    Chief Justice Martha Koome led the Judiciary in honouring late Court of Appeal Judge Frederick Ochieng during closing of file proceedings in Nairobi. Justice Ochieng, who passed away in September 2025 after decades in legal practice and judicial service, was remembered by CJ Koome as a jurist of rare distinction who upheld the Constitution and dispensed justice with compassion.

    7 May 2026 · Capital News

  2. Justice Warsame sworn as Supreme Court judge at State House

    Justice Mohamed Abdulahi Warsame has been sworn in as a Judge of the Supreme Court following his nomination by the Judicial Service Commission and appointment by President William Ruto. His appointment fills the vacancy left by the death of Supreme Court Judge Mohammed Kadhar Ibrahim in December 2025.

    7 May 2026 · Capital News

  3. Mohamed Warsame sworn in as Supreme Court judge

    Justice Mohamed Warsame has been sworn in as a judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya at State House on Thursday, joining the bench comprising Chief Justice Martha Koome, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, and five other justices.

    7 May 2026 · Citizen Digital

  4. Survey recognises women leaders for reforms and service delivery

    A Kenya Track Survey has recognized several women serving in Kenya's governance, executive, legislative, judicial and technical sectors for significant contributions to national development, policy implementation, and service delivery. Among those highlighted are Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, and Principal Secretaries Salome Muhia and Terry Mbaika.

    7 May 2026 · Citizen Digital

  5. JSC announces new nominees for Supreme Court judgeship

    The Judicial Service Commission, chaired by Chief Justice Martha Koome, has announced new faces entering the Judiciary following historic picks, including the nomination of Justice Mohamed Warsame for Supreme Court judge.

    7 May 2026 · The Standard

  6. Mohamed Warsame sworn in as Supreme Court judge

    Justice Mohamed Warsame was sworn in as a Supreme Court judge on Thursday at State House, Nairobi, following his nomination by the Judicial Service Commission. Warsame, 58, will serve for 12 years and replaces Justice Mohamed Ibrahim, who died in December 2025.

    7 May 2026 · The Standard

  7. Ruto quietly campaigns for Justice Njoki Ndung'u's ICC seat

    President William Ruto has mounted a quiet campaign backing Justice Njoki Ndung'u, Kenya's candidate for a seat on the International Criminal Court. According to a source within the Presidency, Ruto convened a significant caucus with Chief Justice Martha Koome, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei on the sidelines of Monday's swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed Judges at State House.

    7 May 2026 · The Standard

Wednesday 6 May

  1. Kenya backs Supreme Court Judge Ndung'u for ICC judgeship

    Kenya has intensified efforts to secure a seat for Supreme Court Judge Njoki Ndung'u at the International Criminal Court, with President William Ruto and top government officials rallying behind her candidacy in what officials describe as a coordinated, non-partisan push. Ndung'u, a long-serving Supreme Court judge since 2011, is recognised for her work on constitutional law, criminal jurisprudence, and the Sexual Offences Act.

    6 May 2026 · Capital News

  2. Kenya mobilizes government support for Ndung'u's ICC candidacy

    The Kenyan government has intensified diplomatic backing for Justice Njoki Ndung'u's bid for a seat on the International Criminal Court, with President Ruto convening a high-level strategy meeting that included the Chief Justice, Prime Cabinet Secretary, and Head of Public Service to demonstrate unified commitment.

    6 May 2026 · Citizen Digital

  3. President Ruto appoints Justice Warsame to Supreme Court vacancy

    President William Ruto has appointed Mohamed Abdullahi Warsame, a Court of Appeal judge, to the Supreme Court of Kenya to fill a vacancy left by the late Mohammed Ibrahim. Warsame emerged as the top candidate following a two-day interview by the Judicial Service Commission and was praised by Chief Justice Martha Koome for demonstrating competence and integrity.

    6 May 2026 · The Standard

Tuesday 5 May

  1. Chief Justice Martha Koome reflects on resilience, courage journey

    Chief Justice Martha Koome has opened up about her personal and professional journey, highlighting resilience as a defining thread throughout her life and career, and reflecting on experiences captured in her book Courting Courage in an interview on the She Means Business podcast.

    5 May 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Dispute over mediator qualifications intensifies in Kenya

    The Law Society of Kenya wants to limit mediation to High Court advocates, while the Association of Certified Mediators argues mediation should remain open to professionals from diverse fields who need only a university degree. The Association contends that mediation complements litigation and that certain disputes benefit from non-legal expertise.

    5 May 2026 · The Standard

Martha Koome — Kenyan press coverage · Kenya Minute