Africa-Press – Kenya. Lady Justice Martha Koome has responded to Law Society of Kenya chairperson Nelson Havi who made several claims against Koome in a letter submitted to the Judicial Service Commission on March 29, 2021, before the Chief Justice interview process started.
Through her lawyers, P.M Kamaara and Associates, Koome stated that she had read the contents submitted with astonishment and surprise, claiming that Havi was out to tarnish her name.
“As you are aware our client is an eminent Judge of Appeal who has given 32 years of her professional life to public service. She has served diligently…
“She has exercised her judicial work completely applying the known principles of the law to arrive at her decisions. In none of her decisions has she been influenced by relationships that lead to conflict of interest,” reads an excerpt of the letter.
In its submission, LSK had stated that Koome’s conduct in three matters of public importance manifested her inability to act independently without favouritism and without other improper motives.
The organisation had noted that such conduct dented her credibility to serve as the country’s Chief Justice.
Some of the mentioned cases included; the National Cereals and Produce Board versus Erad Suppliers and General Contractors Limited, the unprecedented night ruling of the Court of Appeal on October 25, 2017.
Havi has since responded to the letter accusing Koome of not being transparent or accountable as a judge.
“She is determined to ensure that no one questions her conduct even before her nomination is approved by the national assembly,” Havi stated.
Koome made history after she was nominated by the JSC for the Chief Justice position after a two weeks extensive interview.
An important component to help one secure an applicant a post is winning the confidence of the selection panel, something the judge is said to have managed to accomplish in her six-hour grilling session.
She is also said to be the most trusted candidate to mend fences between the Judiciary and the executive which were often at loggerheads during Justice Maraga’s term.
