The frenzy surrounding President Uhuru Kenyatta gazetting the appointment of Justice Martha Koome as the Chief Justice of Kenya paid a short visit to Kithiu village in Meru county, where the next Chief Justice’s brothers and sisters crowded around an arsenal of microphones to say how proud they all are.
Speaking to BaiteTv, Martha Koome’s brother, Mwenda Rutere thanked the JSC for the nomination, the National Assembly for unanimously approving the nomination, and President Uhuru Kenyatta gazetting the appointment of Justice Martha Koome as the Chief Justice of Kenya.
“She was born in Kithiu village in Kiramburi community. Our parents were the late Stephano Ntorutere and Naomi Ntorutere. Our father had two wives and we are 18 siblings in total.
“She used to cook when she got home from Mwiteria primary school, fetch firewood and water, boil water for bathing, and make traditional porridge. The Meru culture forbids men from entering the kitchen hence she had a lot of work because she was the youngest girl.
“Our father decided to relocate us to Kamukara village, where he owned a large parcel of land. Martha Koome was transferred to Kathirune Primary School, where she complained after a year about the long distance between home and school.
“Our father used to pay close attention to her. We were all transferred to Mbeu primary school, where she completed her CPE. She was the only girl who passed and was admitted to a government school at the time.
“She was admitted to Chuka Commercial School and later Mugoiri Girls School, where she completed high school and posted sterling performance. She enrolled at the University of Nairobi, where she earned her law degree.
“When Martha Koome became a judge, an elderly lady who lived with us around 2002-2003 predicted that she would one day become Chief Justice.
“When Martha Koome was four years old, our grandmother recognized her leadership qualities and nicknamed her ‘Kanaitore,’ which means “great woman” in Meru culture.
“Martha Koome has a good rapport with the residents. Residents come to greet her when she is present, which makes her happy. She participates in family decisions, dowry ceremonies, and family gatherings,” he said.
Ruth Gikundi said she was overjoyed that President Uhuru Kenyatta gazetted Martha Koome appointment as Chief Justice.
“She tried several times before and stated that she had no Godfather other than God. She adores God and confides all of her problems in Him.
“God enabled her, and she will continue to do so because it is a difficult job. In her childhood, she was a very active, bright student who consistently topped her class.
“In her CPE, she scored 30 out of a possible 36 marks. She was among the top ten students in Kenya at Mugoiri Girls, where she completed form 6,” she said.
A resident urged her to ensure that court cases are not delayed. She said that her husband’s cessation took a long time to complete, and it was finally completed in December 2019.
“I was awarded the grant in 2021. She should assist people at the grassroots level, many of whom are in need, particularly widows. Their properties are being taken away by one of the husbands’ relatives because they do not have the financial means to fight the legal battles.
“I commend Martha Koome for putting in extra effort in family court cases. Widows and people with limited financial resources should also be prioritized.
“I congratulate Martha Koome because the seat is given to her by God. And because she fears God, I want to remind her to put God first in everything, as she has always done. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
“What Martha Koome desperately needs right now is for God to grant her the wisdom of King Solomon. I beseech God to keep her away from hypocrites,” she said.
