Nairobi: Chief Justice Martha Koome has strongly condemned the rising cases of abductions and femicide in the country, stating that such acts of lawlessness should not be tolerated in a progressive society. She emphasized that the nation is guided by the rule of law and the constitution, and that the rights of every Kenyan should be safeguarded at all times.
According to Kenya News Agency, during a Judiciary Open Day forum at Thika Law Courts, CJ Koome affirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to upholding justice, stressing its unwavering dedication to enforcing the rule of law without fear or favor. She expressed concern over the practice of detaining abductees for extended periods and urged that they be presented in court for a fair hearing instead.
CJ Koome also highlighted the Judiciary’s readiness to address such matters, even if it requires extending working hours to ensure timely justice for all. She shared her personal distress over the abductions and femicide cases, empathizing with the families affected by these incidents. She reiterated that Kenya’s legal framework, including the constitution, penal code, and criminal procedure code, defines every crime, and those suspected of offenses should face trial rather than being held incommunicado.
Furthermore, the Chief Justice used the opportunity to discuss the Judiciary’s ongoing efforts to improve service delivery to the public, despite financial challenges. She called for increased funding to enhance the efficiency of the judicial system, pointing out the necessity for more judges and magistrates to address the backlog of cases in the courts.