Chief Justice Martha Koome is facing accusations from a private citizen alleging that she provided false information to facilitate her appointment. The complainant, who claims to be a founding member of the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA-K), has issued a seven-day ultimatum to CJ Koome, demanding a correction of the information.
In a letter dated September 3, the complainant stated that CJ Koome’s resume inaccurately listed her as the Vice-Chairperson of FIDA Kenya from 1996 to 1998. According to the accuser, she herself held the Vice-Chair position during that time.
“Our client, a founding member of FIDA-K, was elected as Vice-Chair in 1996 and served diligently in the role,” the complainant’s lawyer wrote in the notice addressed to CJ Koome and FIDA Kenya.
The accuser further alleged that CJ Koome may have conspired with others to falsify records about her role in the organization. “Our client legitimately believes that Chief Justice Martha Koome did not serve as Vice-Chairperson of FIDA K for the period 1996-1998,” the letter read.
The complainant is demanding that CJ Koome and FIDA rectify this information or face legal action. “We have mandatory instructions to institute legal proceedings in the High Court,” the complainant’s lawyer warned, adding that failure to comply would result in legal costs and further consequences.
This development comes three years after CJ Koome made history as Kenya’s first female Chief Justice. She was sworn in on May 2021 following her approval by the National Assembly after a rigorous vetting process.
Neither CJ Koome nor FIDA Kenya have publicly responded to the allegations at the time of writing.
