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Thursday, 30 July 2026
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Thursday, 30 July 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

Chief Justice overseeing judicial reforms and facing renewed pressure regarding judicial accountability amid lawyer boycotts.

2026-04-282026-07-30
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In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. May 2026

  2. Ruto appoints Justice Mohamed Warsame to Supreme Court

    1. Capital News

      … According to JSC Chairperson and Chief Justice Martha Koome, the Commission received six applications and shortlisted five candidates before settling on Justice Warsame after extensive background checks and consultations with stakeholders across the legal sector, civil society, a …

      Warsame sworn in as Supreme Court judge at State House Nairobi

    2. Citizen Digital

      … The judge now joins the apex court’s bench comprising Chief Justice Martha Koome and Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, Justices Smokin Wanjala, Njoki Ndung'u, Isaac Lenaola and William Ouko. …

      Mohamed Warsame sworn in as Supreme Court Judge

  3. Citizen Digital

    Waiguru, Koome, Miano cited among women recognised for driving reforms and service delivery By Citizen Reporter May 07, 2026 07:00 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Audio By Vocalize A new survey has recogniz …

    Waiguru, Koome, Miano cited among women recognised for driving reforms and service delivery

  4. 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. …

    New faces enter the Judiciary after JSC makes historic picks

  5. The Standard

    … The ceremony, hosted by President William Ruto, was attended by Chief Justice Martha Koome, other Supreme Court judges, former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, senior Judiciary officials and lawyers. …

    Mohamed Warsame sworn in as Supreme Court judge

  6. The Standard

    … n the Presidency told the publication that on the sidelines of this Monday’s swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed Judges to the High Court and Environment and Land Court at State House, President Ruto convened an intimate but significant caucus with Chief Justice Martha Koome …

    President Ruto quietly pushing campaign for Njoki Ndungu's ICC Judgeship

  7. Capital News

    … President William Ruto on Monday held a high-level meeting at State House with Chief Justice Martha Koome, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, and Ndung’u, signalling unified national support for her bid. …

    Kenya backs Justice Njoki Ndung’u in bid for ICC judgeship

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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
Politics

DPP warns politicians of prosecution for hate speech before 2027 election

The News

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.

23 hours ago · Citizen Digital →

Yesterday

  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.

    23 hours ago · 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 →

Sunday 26 July

  1. Children in Busia face lengthy delays seeking justice in abuse cases

    Citizen TV investigation finds that children in Busia County seeking justice for defilement face cases stretching from months into years, with some delayed over five years by repeated adjournments, missing files, and intimidation claims, leaving families feeling twice betrayed.

    26 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Friday 24 July

  1. Police seize Sh13.4m cannabis haul across three counties

    Police have seized cannabis worth Sh13.4 million and arrested four suspects in intelligence-led operations across Nandi, Kiambu and Kisii counties as part of the government's anti-narcotics campaign. The coordinated raids uncovered large consignments of cannabis being transported through public and private vehicles, with detectives also recovering cash suspected to be proceeds of drug trafficking.

    24 July 2026 · Capital News →

  2. Sonko challenges Supreme Court advisory opinion on impeached officers

    Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko questioned the Supreme Court's decision to seek an Attorney General advisory opinion on whether impeached state officers can contest elections while appeals are pending, arguing the court had already addressed the issue in his own 2022 impeachment case. Sonko also raised concerns about former Chief Justice Martha Koome's pre-ruling remarks and the compressed timeline for his appeal hearing.

    24 July 2026 · Capital News →

Wednesday 22 July

  1. Kangema Principal Magistrate relieved pending corruption probe

    Senior Principal Magistrate Martin Kinyua has been relieved of his judicial duties pending an investigation into alleged solicitation of a bribe. He was arrested by the EACC alongside a Probation Officer for allegedly receiving Ksh.150,000 from a complainant in a matter pending before the court.

    22 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. JSC suspends Kangema magistrate after EACC bribe arrest

    The Judicial Service Commission has suspended Kangema Senior Principal Magistrate Martin Kinyua Mutegi following his arrest by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission over allegations of soliciting a Sh170,000 bribe to influence a criminal case outcome. Chief Justice Martha Koome said the Judiciary has commenced disciplinary proceedings and pledged cooperation with investigators.

    22 July 2026 · Capital News →

  3. Law Society of Kenya maintains court boycott for judicial accountability

    The Law Society of Kenya has reaffirmed its nationwide boycott of court proceedings, with President Charles Kanjama urging advocates to stay away from courts to mount pressure for greater accountability within the Judiciary. The LSK Council and Senior Counsel Bar are scheduled to meet the Judicial Service Commission on July 31 to discuss the concerns behind the protest.

    22 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  4. CJ Koome faces renewed pressure amid lawyer boycott threat

    Chief Justice Martha Koome faces a fresh push for removal from office as the Law Society of Kenya threatens a lawyer boycott, accusing some judicial officers of using court orders to shield themselves from accountability while they claim constitutional protections and due process rights.

    22 July 2026 · The Standard →

  5. Chief Justice Koome faces renewed pressure to resign amid judicial crisis

    Chief Justice Martha Koome is under renewed pressure to step down as lawyers threaten a court boycott, with the Law Society of Kenya accusing some judicial officers of using court orders to shield themselves from accountability while the targeted judges claim constitutional protections and due process entitlements.

    22 July 2026 · The Standard →

  6. Senior magistrate and probation officer arrested for Sh150,000 bribe

    Martin Kinyua Mutegi, a Senior Principal Magistrate, and Julius Irungu, a Principal Probation Officer, both attached to Kangema Law Courts, were arrested by the EACC on Tuesday evening for allegedly soliciting and receiving Sh150,000 from a litigant in exchange for influencing a criminal case outcome through a favourable probation recommendation.

    22 July 2026 · The Standard →

  7. Senior magistrate suspended following EACC bribery arrest

    The Judiciary has suspended Senior Principal Magistrate Martin Mutegi of Kangema Law Courts following his arrest by the EACC over bribery allegations. Mutegi and Principal Probation Officer Julius Irungu Njogu were arrested after a businessman alleged they solicited and received a bribe; Sh150,000 in marked currency was recovered.

    22 July 2026 · The Standard →

  8. Law Society of Kenya lawyers begin nationwide court boycott

    The Law Society of Kenya on July 22 effected a nationwide boycott of court proceedings to protest corruption, delays in justice administration, and lack of accountability in the Judiciary. LSK President Charles Kanjama said some judges proceeded with scheduled matters despite notice, and the Society reported advocates faced case dismissals and adjournment fees for the boycott.

    22 July 2026 · The Standard →

Tuesday 21 July

  1. KMJA urges LSK to reconsider nationwide court boycott

    The Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association has appealed to the Law Society of Kenya to abandon its planned nationwide court boycott, arguing that withdrawing legal services would harm litigants rather than resolve judicial delays and inefficiencies. The Judiciary separately rejected the boycott and insisted all courts would remain open, urging advocates to address grievances through dialogue instead.

    21 July 2026 · Capital News →

  2. Judges urge LSK to suspend planned court boycott, pursue dialogue

    The Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association has urged the Law Society of Kenya to reconsider its planned indefinite targeted boycott of court proceedings, set to begin Thursday over allegations of judicial misconduct and inefficiencies, warning that the action would primarily harm ordinary litigants seeking justice.

    21 July 2026 · The Standard →

Monday 20 July

  1. Senior Counsel claims High Court judges sit only 54 days yearly

    Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi claims High Court and Court of Appeal judges spend an average of just 54 days a year in court, citing judicial recesses, annual leave, and official travel as constraints. His remarks come as lawyers prepare a nationwide boycott over court delays and alleged inefficiencies, and contrast with the Judiciary's reported 104 per cent case clearance rate for 2024/25.

    20 July 2026 · Capital News →

  2. LSK targets Chief Justice Koome in Thursday court boycott

    The Law Society of Kenya has named Chief Justice Martha Koome and Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu among nine judges targeted in a court boycott scheduled for Thursday, July 23, in protest over allegations of judicial corruption, misconduct, and registry inefficiencies. The action will continue indefinitely until courts issue orders restraining the Judicial Service Commission, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

    20 July 2026 · The Standard →

Thursday 16 July

  1. New Court of Appeal President pledges to clear case backlog

    Justice Gatembu Kairu, newly installed Court of Appeal President, has pledged to clear a backlog of nearly 10,000 appeals and fast-track case hearings. He identified Rule 5(2)(b) applications (seeking injunctions or stays of execution) as a major source of delays, with 879 such applications pending in Nairobi alone, and vowed to address them as a priority.

    16 July 2026 · Capital News →

  2. Chief Justice urges new Appeal Court president to clear case backlog

    Chief Justice Martha Koome has challenged Justice Gatembu Kairu, newly installed as President of the Court of Appeal, to clear a backlog of 9,954 appeals and improve the court's institutional performance. Koome noted the court's expanded bench of 41 judges gives it the capacity to resolve more cases than it receives annually.

    16 July 2026 · The Standard →

Monday 13 July

  1. Chief Justice establishes High Court division for tribunal appeals

    Chief Justice Martha Koome has established a new Tribunals Appeals Division of the High Court at Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi, operational from July 1, to hear appeals from specialised tribunals (except the Tax Appeals Tribunal) and improve access to justice and expedite dispute resolution.

    13 July 2026 · Capital News →

Tuesday 7 July

  1. Chief Justice Koome mourns retired judge Tunya's death

    Chief Justice Martha Koome has extended condolences following the death of retired High Court judge Omondi Tunya, who had a four-decade legal career spanning the bench, private practice, arbitration, and legal education.

    7 July 2026 · The Standard →

Friday 3 July

  1. Judiciary achieves 104% case clearance rate, reduces backlog

    Chief Justice Martha Koome released the 2024/2025 Performance Management and Measurement Understanding report, showing the Judiciary posted a 104% case clearance rate and cut backlog by 27% in 2025/6. Koome highlighted inadequate infrastructure, staffing shortages, ICT constraints, and growing caseload as key challenges, and called for sustained investment in modern court infrastructure, digital transformation, and operational efficiency.

    3 July 2026 · Capital News →

  2. Migori politics shifts toward ideas over insults ahead of 2027

    Migori County's political landscape is changing from historical rivalry and violence toward issue-based competition as the 2027 General Election approaches, with Governor Ochilo Ayacko facing challengers including Uriri MP Mark Nyamita, Suna West MP Peter Masara, and former Woman Representative Dr. Pamela Odhiambo.

    3 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  3. Judiciary resolves more cases, cuts backlog by 27 percent

    Kenya's Judiciary resolved 647,686 cases against 621,425 new filings in the 2024/2025 financial year, achieving a 104 per cent case clearance rate and reducing its backlog from 272,678 to 244,267 cases. Chief Justice Martha Koome attributed the milestone to reforms and institutional commitment to faster, more accessible justice.

    3 July 2026 · The Standard →

Thursday 2 July

  1. Ahmednasir claims judges want damaging judiciary report blocked

    Constitutional lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi claims that some judges are planning to go to court to stop the release of a report on judicial performance that Chief Justice Martha Koome promised to publish by July 1. According to Ahmednasir, the report shows low judicial productivity, growing case backlogs, and weak leadership, with many judges in senior courts delivering far fewer judgments than expected.

    2 July 2026 · Capital News →

Martha Koome — Kenyan press coverage · Kenya Minute