NAIROBI, Kenya – Chief Justice Martha Koome has reaffirmed the Judiciary’s role as the ultimate guardian of the Constitution, declaring that Kenyan courts will not relent in checking abuses of power by state or non-state actors.
Speaking during Katiba Day celebrations on Wednesday, which marked 15 years since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, Koome underscored the Judiciary’s duty to defend constitutionalism and protect the rights of citizens.
“As Chief Justice, I take this opportunity to reassure Kenyans of our unwavering fidelity to the Constitution. We shall continue to administer justice without fear or favour, to check abuses of power, and to defend the rights of Kenyans where necessary,” she said.
The CJ hailed judicial independence as one of the greatest gains of the 2010 reforms, describing the Constitution’s adoption as both a legal transition and the rebirth of the nation.
“August 27, 2010 represented not only a legal transition but a rebirth of our nation. It was a profound political and social moment, born from decades of struggle and a collective yearning for a more just, equitable, and democratic society,” she stated.
Koome highlighted how courts have entrenched the principle of public participation, noting that judges have struck down laws and policies where citizens were not adequately consulted.
“The Judiciary has given life to the principle of public participation, striking down legislation where citizens were inadequately consulted,” she said, stressing that the constitutional threshold cannot be ignored.
Beyond jurisprudence, she pointed to progress in expanding access to justice.
Since 2010, High Court stations and registries have been established in every county, compared to the pre-2010 era when they existed only in provincial headquarters and major towns.
She also cited the Judiciary’s digital transformation as key to enhancing efficiency and accessibility.
Katiba Day, first celebrated in 2011, marks the anniversary of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, which introduced far-reaching reforms including devolution, a stronger Bill of Rights, and the restructuring of governance institutions.
Koome concluded her remarks by assuring Kenyans that the courts remain steadfast in defending the supreme law.
“The Judiciary’s commitment to the Constitution remains unwavering,” she said.
