The Law Society of Kenya has sent their congratulatory message to Lady Justice Martha Koome after she was appointed the new Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya.
Through Chief Executive Officer Mercy Wambua, LSK CEO said that CJ Koome takes office at a time when there is a developing culture of impunity and attacks on judicial officers by parties dissatisfied with court orders.
“LSK condemns in the strongest terms possible the continued wanton attacks on judicial officers and assures its unwavering support to the Chief Justice as she leads in the fight against the culture of impunity and intimidation of judicial officers,” Said Wambua.
She also noted that Koome’s appointment as the Country’s first female Chief Justice is a historic milestone and the council looks forward to working with her in supporting her efforts and those of the entire Judiciary towards promoting judicial independence, constitutionalism, access to justice and advancement of the rule of law, heralding an era of pragmatic respect for court orders.
“This demonstrates the commitment by the Country to ensure the attainment of Kenya’s constitutional gender equality and one of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations in 2015,” added the CEO.
Wambua said that LSK expects more interdependence amongst all the three arms of the Government and institutional accord which will enhance smooth operations of the Judiciary, adequate funding through an entrenched Judiciary Fund without compromising the functional and institutional mandate of the Judiciary.
“We are confident that she has the wherewithal, knowledge, skill, diligence and the correct temperament demonstrable from her illustrious career, the testimonials of colleagues in the profession, her exemplary performance during the televised interviews undertaken by the Judicial Service Commission and subsequent vetting by Parliament, ” noted Wambua.
The Council also extended congratulations to Justice William Ouko on his appointment as a Judge of the Supreme Court.
“Justice William Ouko’s appointment as a judge of the Supreme Court will certainly enrich the jurisprudence emanating from the highest court in Kenya.”
