THE STANDARD
NATIONAL
Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu (left) after handing over instruments of power to new CJ Martha Koome during the assumption of office ceremony held at CJ s Gardens, Supreme Court. May 24, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]
Groomed and built around the Judiciary, where judges and lawyers are expected to wear gowns and the colonial-judges’ wig, one would have expected her portrait to be traditional and conservative, and with many protocols.
However, she is different, and maybe this will be her style as she serves in the Judiciary.
Her predecessor, Justice David Maraga, wore the wig, and yesterday her deputy Philomena Mwilu also donned it.
runner up, recognised for her advocacy work to improve the rights of women and children in the justice system.
Doubtlessly, her ascendance to the role of Chief Justice raises hope and expectations among many for a better world for women and children.
If parliament formally approves the nomination of Justice Martha Koome as the next Chief Justice of Kenya and president of the Supreme Court - as is widely expected - she will become the first woman to occupy the seat in Kenya’s history.
Justice Martha Koome topped nine other candidates – including two other women – for the job during interviews carried out by the Judicial Service Commission between 10 and 23 April 2021.