Chief Justice Koome Directs JSC to Investigate Corruption Allegations in Judiciary
Chief Justice Martha Koome has called for decisive action following allegations of judicial corruption made by lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi. In a bold move, the Chief Justice directed the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to deploy an investigative team to engage Ahmednasir and uncover the specifics of his claims.
Investigation to Address Allegations
In a statement issued on Monday, December 9, CJ Koome announced that the JSC team would obtain detailed information about the allegations Ahmednasir shared on the social media platform X. She urged the senior counsel to cooperate with the investigators, emphasizing that the judiciary is committed to transparency and accountability.
“I ask Ahmednasir Abdullahi, SC, to cooperate with the officers from the JSC if indeed the allegations made are in good faith and with a view to ensuring that the judiciary operates in an open and transparent manner for the benefit of all Kenyans,” Koome remarked.
The JSC secretary will provide monthly updates to the public on the progress of complaints and investigations, reinforcing the judiciary’s pledge to address concerns with integrity.
Engagement with PLO Lumumba and Legal Stakeholders
In addition to engaging Ahmednasir, CJ Koome agreed to meet with Prof. PLO Lumumba to discuss persistent corruption allegations in the judiciary. To address these issues comprehensively, she convened a consultative meeting involving key stakeholders, including:
- The President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK)
- The Chairperson of the Senior Counsel Bar
- Representative members of the JSC
“In response to Prof. PLO Lumumba’s request for an audience, I have convened a consultative meeting to comprehensively discuss concerns on integrity within the judiciary and attendant issues within the legal profession,” Koome stated.
State of Judiciary Report Highlights Challenges
CJ Koome also referenced findings from the State of the Judiciary and Administration of Justice Report, presented to Parliament on November 15. Key insights include:
- 141 petitions were filed regarding judicial conduct, with 70 cases concluded during the 2023/24 financial year.
- 116 disciplinary cases were registered against judiciary staff, including 11 complaints of bribery and 58 complaints of absenteeism. Of these, 51 cases have been resolved.
A Commitment to Integrity
By initiating these investigations and fostering dialogue with prominent legal figures, CJ Koome underscores her commitment to preserving the integrity of Kenya’s judiciary. The proactive measures aim to restore public trust and ensure that the judiciary operates transparently for the benefit of all Kenyans.
