Justice Martha Koome sworn in as the first female Chief Justice

Justice Martha Karambu Koome has been sworn in as Chief Justice in a ceremony attended by President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi.

The oath was administered by Judiciary Chief Registrar Anne Amadi.

Kenyatta said that it was a great honour to be the first president to swear in the first female to head an arm of government.

“I celebrate the confirmation of a new Chief Justice, but for me, a particularly singular honour to be the first president to swear in the first female Chief Justice of the republic of Kenya. It is not for me to tell you how to execute your work,” he said.

Justice William Okello Ouko was also sworn in as a Judge of the Supreme Court at the same ceremony that was conducted by Attorney General Paul Kihara while Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Anne Atieno Amadi administered the Oaths of Office.

President Kenyatta congratulated Chief Justice Koome and Supreme Court Judge Justice Ouko on their appointment and urged them to ensure justice is served at all times in accordance with the Constitution and the established rule of law.

“Just to remind you of the oath you have taken to impartially do justice in accordance with the Constitution and by the law established, and the laws and customs of the Republic without any fear, favour, bias, affection, ill will, prejudice and any political, religious or other influence in the exercise of the judicial functions entrusted to you,” Kenyatta said.

The Head of State assured that he will at all times protect and defend the Constitution with a view of upholding the dignity and respect for the judiciary and the judicial system.

He expressed optimism that Chief Justice Koome and Justice Ouko will succeed in their new roles, noting that they were both well grounded in their career having risen through the ranks of Kenya’s judicial system.

“We will pray for you. We know you will succeed. We are there to partner with you and to work with you as the Executive branch of Government,” President Kenyatta said.

Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu is to hand over instruments of power at the Supreme Court buildings.

Its a new era in the country’s Judiciary as Koome become the first female Chief Justice.

Having 33 years of experience in legal practice, she has distinguished herself as a champion for the rights of women and the welfare of children.

She at one time served as the Chairperson of the National Council on the Administration of Justice special taskforce on children matters where she helped steer the review of the Children’s Act.

Her appointment will firmly put a majority of the leadership of the Judiciary in the hands of women.

These include: Philomena Mwilu (Deputy Chief Justice); Prof. Olive Mugenda (Vice Chair, Judicial Service Commission); Wanjiru Karanja (Acting President, Court of Appeal); and Lydia Achode (Principal Judge, High Court).

Koome was nominated by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and her name approved by Kenyatta after emerging top among nine other candidates interviewed for the post.

She replaces David Maraga, who retired early this year.