Martha Koome Sworn in as Kenya’s First Female Chief Justice

Martha Karambu Koome has been sworn in as Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya.

She took an oath of office in a ceremony held at State House, Nairobi on Friday afternoon. Justice William Ouko was also sworn in as a judge of the Supreme Court.

The event was witnessed by President Kenyatta, Attorney-General Kihara Kariuki, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, Chief Registrar of Judiciary Anne Amadi, among others.

Koome becomes the country’s first-ever female Chief Justice and head of the Judiciary. She takes over from David Maraga, who retired in January after attaining 70 years.

Kenyatta congratulated both Koome and Ouko and assured them of cooperation and support in their duties.

“I am singularly honored to be the first President to swear in the first female Chief Justice. Justice Ouko, both of you [with CJ Martha Koome] have grown in the Judiciary system, there’s nothing I can teach you [about the rule of law]. All I ask from you is for justice to be done and we won’t have a problem with you,” said Kenyatta.

The 61-year-old was nominated to the position by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), beating nine other candidates who were interviewed.

Koome, who has 33 years of experience in legal practice, previously served as a judge of the Appeals Court, where she headed the Criminal Division.

She was admitted to the bar as an advocate of the High Court in 1986 and practiced law until 2003 when she was appointed as a High Court judge.

She holds a Master of Laws from the University of London (2010), Bachelor of Laws from the University of Nairobi (1986), and Post Graduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law (1987).