At a historic ceremony witnessed by President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House in Nairobi, Justice Martha Karambu Koome was sworn in as the country’s new Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya.
Justice Koome is Kenya’s 15th Chief Justice and the first woman to hold the position of the country’s highest judicial office.
At the same ceremony, Attorney General Paul Kihara swore in Justice William Okello Ouko as a Supreme Court Judge, with the Oaths of Office administered by Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Anne Atieno Amadi.
President Kenyatta congratulated Chief Justice Koome and Supreme Court Judge Justice Ouko on their new positions and urged them to uphold the Constitution and the existing rule of law at all times.
“Just to remind you of the oath you have taken to impartially do justice in accordance with the Constitution and by the law established, and the laws and customs of the Republic without any fear, favour, bias, affection, ill will, prejudice and any political, religious or other influence in the exercise of the judicial functions entrusted to you,” President Kenyatta said.
The Head of State stated that he would always defend and protect the Constitution in order to maintain the integrity and respect for the judiciary and judicial system.
He expressed trust in Chief Justice Koome and Justice Ouko’s ability to succeed in their current positions, noting that they had both risen through the ranks of Kenya’s judicial system.
“We will pray for you. We know you will succeed. We are there to partner with you and to work with you as the Executive branch of Government,” President Kenyatta said.
President Kenyatta expressed his gratitude to Chief Justice Koome, saying he was honored to be the first President to swear in Kenya’s first female Chief Justice.
