CJ Koome: Judicial staff working under judges must be vetted to curb corruption

Chief Justice Martha Koome says that there is need to vet judicial staff who work under judges and in court registries in a bid to curb corruption within the judiciary.

Speaking during a High Court leaders conference in Mombasa, the CJ said that some court assistants demand bribes thus tarnishing the image of judges they (assistants) are tasked to support.

“I urge all judges to exercise extra caution and balance when dealing with those tasked to support them, I recognize the critical support extended by staff but the sad reality is that some of those tasked with supporting us do use their office for profit,” said Chief Justice Koome.

The CJ said she has received disturbing complaints about staff who abuse their offices and misuse information they have accessed in the course of their employment and that those (staff) who have served in the same position and station for long are susceptible.

“I have already directed the Chief Registrar to conduct a staff audit with a view to identifying such staff and I have put in place corrective measures to ensure periodic rotation of all staff,” said the CJ while urging the High Court judges to ensure the exercise is successful.