Chief Justice Martha Koome held a meeting with President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi Monday morning to discuss claims of corruption in the judiciary.
The meeting was also attended by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, Attorney General, Justin Muturi, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, and Solicitor Shadrack Mose.
Chief Justice Martha Koome arrives at State House, Nairobi. This follows her calls for talks with the Executive and the Legislature which H.E President @WilliamsRuto welcomed and embraced as move towards enhancing transparent & unhindered service to the people by all arms of…
— Gerald Bitok (@geraldbitok) January 22, 2024
The meeting came following Koome’s request to meet the Head of State who recently called the Judiciary an institution of corrupt elements whose main objectives are to derail government projects.
Koome last week highlighted the importance of having a robust discussion between the Judiciary and Executive to handle the alleged massive corruption in the Judiciary.
Speaking in Tinderet, Nandi County on Tuesday last week, Ruto said that he was ready to have a discussion with Koome on corruption in the Judiciary.
” The Chief Justice called for talks and I want to say I welcome the talks. On January 2, I committed that we needed a conversation on how to deal with the corruption.”
Koome mentioned that in case of any observation of misconduct or corruption, it must be handled to shelter the institution’s independence and integrity.
She also said that the Judicial Service Commission will face the allegations of corruption head-on to prevent the tarnishing of the judiciary.
Opposition Leader Raila Odinga, warned Koome on Tuesday last week about meeting President Ruto, saying the move would have iota impact.
“There is no need for the CJ to have a talk with the Executive. Let the judges do their work independently.”
Odinga’s sentiments were slammed by President Ruto who said that the meeting would foster development in the country.
” Those who are opposed to the talks among the leadership of various institutions are the ones who have been recruited by crooks, saboteurs, and cartels. We want to say, shame on them.”
Ruto made the remarks on Wednesday last week at Mowlem grounds in Endebess in Trans Nzoia County, where he added it is time for leaders to embrace good humour rather than following sabotage scripts.