CJ Koome cracks down on brokers and imposters within court premises

The Judiciary has initiated an inquiry into allegations that court processes are being influenced by brokers.

Chief Justice Martha Koome revealed that these brokers, who loiter around court premises and prey on vulnerable litigants, are undermining the administration of justice.

Addressing the High Court Judges Conference in Mombasa, Koome urged law enforcement agencies to apprehend individuals posing as court representatives and interfering with judicial proceedings.

"One of the recurring challenges that continues to taint the image of the Judiciary relates to the presence of brokers and impostors operating within court premises, said Koome.

"These individuals, who position themselves as intermediaries, are giving judges and judicial officers a bad name and contributing to the negative public perception of our institution."

According to the Chief Justice, brokers have infiltrated the Judiciary to the extent of taking control over court cases, using them as bait to convince litigants to part with bribes in exchange for fake rulings and fabricated outcomes.

In light of this, the country's highest court is now appealing to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to act swiftly in rescuing the Judiciary from this form of manipulation.

"I have initiated collaboration with the EACC and other investigative bodies to help us confront this threat, not to probe judges, judicial officers, or staff, as that remains under the purview of the Judicial Service Commission — but to root out con artists pretending to be insiders dealing in corruption within our sacred halls of justice,” Koome stated.