Chief Justice Koome Under Scrutiny Amid Human Rights Abuse Debate
Kenya remains at a crossroads in addressing human rights abuses, Chief Justice Martha Koome has said, despite transformative judicial rulings from the High Court and superior courts.
Speaking at the High Court Human Rights Summit, CJ highlighted enduring issues including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, rising femicide, gender-based violence and the suppression of peaceful assemblies.
“These challenges are rooted in structural inequalities, governance problems, and evolving societal and global situations. Addressing them is crucial for the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by millions of Kenyans,” said CJ Koome.
Koome lauded the High Court for firmly establishing itself as a defender of the Bill of Rights, which she described as a cornerstone of Kenya’s governance under the 2010 Constitution.
“By embedding the Bill of Rights, the Constitution ensures that the principles of justice, equality and human dignity influence every decision made by public institutions and interactions between individuals,” she said.
While noting the judicial milestones,Koome cited several High Court achievements, including defending the right to peaceful protests during mass demonstrations earlier this year.
“By holding law enforcement accountable and upholding citizens’ rights, the High Court demonstrated its role as a robust defender of democracy and freedoms,” she stated.
The court has also made strides in protecting vulnerable groups including intersex persons and applying habeas corpus in cases of enforced disappearances. It has issued landmark rulings on the right to adequate housing, ensuring evictions are conducted with dignity and respect for human rights.
Despite these advancements, the Chief Justice warned of growing challenges posed by technology including cyberbullying, online discrimination and technology-based gender violence.
“Technology has opened new opportunities but also created platforms for human rights abuses,” she noted.
She has expressed a concern over fraudulent garnishee proceedings, where unscrupulous individuals, often working with bank officials, exploit court orders to defraud account holders.
The CJ has called on the judiciary to remain vigilant and set clear precedents to deter such practices
Koome urged collaboration between the judiciary, law enforcement and stakeholders to tackle these challenges effectively adding that through the Judiciary Ombudsman’s office, efforts are underway to investigate and address abuses in court processes.
The summit, themed Upholding Human Rights in a Changing Kenya was attended by key officials including Ministry of Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo, High Court Principal Judge Eric Ogola, Chief Registrar Winfridah Mokaya, and Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo.
“Kenya’s judiciary remains committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all citizens, even as the country navigates complex human rights challenges,” she stated.
