CJ nominee Justice Martha Koome pens letter to JSC

Lady Justice Martha Koome has written to the Judicial Service Commission to express her gratitude for the panel’s decision to nominate her for the Chief Justice position.

In her letter, Justice Koome, who makes history as Kenya’s first female Chief Justice, says it would be a great honor to serve the country as Chief Justice if accepted.

“I’m extremely grateful to the Judicial Service Commission for nominating me to the office of the Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya,” Justice Koome said “It will indeed be an honour and a great privilege for me to serve this great country as the Chief Justice if confirmed to the office,”

She continued:

“I appreciate this was after a thorough, rigorous and a very competitive process that saw some of the best legal minds come forward as capable candidates demonstrating their willingness to serve Kenyans,”

She has also reassured Kenyans of her determination to serve to the best of her ability, thanking well-wishers for their prayers and encouragement.

“As I continue to prepare for the next stage, wish to convey my profound gratitude to all well-wishers who encouraged and prayed for me. continue to thank God and seek your prayers as I go through the confirmation process, ” she added.

Following her selection by JSC, President Uhuru Kenyatta will submit her name for vetting by the Parliamentary Justice and Legal Affairs Committee.

The National Assembly will then consider the committee’s vetting report and once they approve it, President Kenyatta will officially appoint her Chief Justice.

The other candidates who interviewed for the position included Justice Said Juma Chitembwe, Prof. Patricia Mbote, Philip Murgor, Lawyer Fredrick Ngatia, Justice Marete Njagi, Justice Matthews Nduma Nderi, Justice William Ouko, Prof. Moni Wekesa and Ms. Alice Yano.

Martha Koome, who has an estimated 33 years in the legal profession, was among 10 candidates who were interviewed for the position of Chief Justice.

This was the second time Lady Justice Martha Koome was making a stab at the position of Chief Justice.

She is currently based in Nairobi but has served in Nyeri and Malindi. Koome joined the Judiciary in 2003, prior to which she was a human rights defender.