CJ Koome Demands End to Bribery in Courts, Urges Restoration of Trust in Judiciary
Makueni – Chief Justice Martha Koome has called for immediate action to eliminate corruption in Kenya’s courts, warning that unethical conduct by court officials is eroding public trust in the justice system.
Speaking in Wote, Makueni County during the official launch of the Mahakama Popote Guidelines, Koome condemned a growing pattern where court users are asked to pay unofficial fees to access services.
“I have received many complaints about court users being forced to pay bribes for services that are supposed to be free,” Koome said. “This is unacceptable. Court staff are paid to serve the public. No one should be asked to give anything more than what the law requires.”
The Chief Justice described these corrupt practices as a betrayal of public trust and warned that they undermine the integrity of the entire Judiciary. She said urgent measures are needed to stamp out these behaviors and hold accountable any staff found soliciting bribes.
“Our work is a public trust. We must root out this culture and rebuild a justice system that is fair, transparent, and accountable,” Koome stated.
Her remarks come as Kenya continues to face criticism over delays in court processes and persistent corruption in judicial operations, especially at court registries. The issue of “facilitation fees” unofficial payments demanded by staff for routine services has become widespread and damaging.
During the event, Koome also reported progress made through the Mahakama Popote platform, a digital service launched in October 2022 to increase access to justice, especially in remote areas.
As of June 2025, the Judiciary has recorded 17,389 case referrals through the platform, with 12,940 resolved and 4,449 still pending.
“These numbers prove that innovation can bridge the gap between the people and justice,” Koome said.
She encouraged court officers to embrace professionalism, respect court users, and uphold the values of justice. The Chief Justice reminded all judicial staff that their role is not just administrative but constitutional — to protect rights and uphold the law.
Koome ended her speech with a renewed pledge: “We owe Kenyans a justice system they can believe in. It starts with honesty and ends with fairness.”
The Judiciary is expected to announce internal monitoring mechanisms in the coming weeks to ensure compliance with the new guidelines and address misconduct.
The Mahakama Popote Guidelines are part of the Judiciary’s broader digitization plan aimed at improving service delivery, transparency, and reducing opportunities for corruption. The platform allows virtual court services, including filing, mediation, and case tracking.
As public scrutiny of government institutions grows, the Judiciary’s next steps will be closely watched.
