Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
While passing her condolences on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court Martha Koome said Opicho “occupies a special place in the institutional history of the Judiciary”.
Koome, Kenya’s first woman Chief Justice, was selected as the award’s inaugural international recipient. At the same ceremony, the Korea Legal Aid Center for Family Relations became the first national recipient after being recognised for seven decades of offering legal aid and supporting vulnerable members of society
Speaking during a forum marking 16 years of the 2010 Constitution on Thursday, Koome said Kenyans had confidence in the Judiciary, demonstrated by their decision to bring disputes before the courts.
CJ Koome noted that the National Council on the Administration of Justice has continued building the capacity of institutions involved in the administration of justice through stronger dispute resolution systems, protection of judicial independence and increased public awareness.
Speaking during Justice Gatembu's installation as President of the Court of Appeal on Thursday, Koome said the judiciary had made significant strides in expanding access to appellate justice but warned that the growing backlog of cases remained one of its biggest challenges.
Koome welcomed proposals contained in the Elections Law (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Political Parties (Amendment) Bill, 2026, urging both the National Assembly and Senate to expedite their consideration and enactment
Speaking during the launch of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Strategic Plan 2024–2029 and the Election Operations Plan 2025–2027 in Nairobi on Wednesday, Ethekon said the commission had witnessed troubling patterns during recent by-elections where political actors allegedly mobilised and armed youth under the pretext of safeguarding votes.
Chief Justice Martha Koome told the Post-CSW70 National Stakeholders’ Forum that Kenya must strengthen prevention, accountability and survivor-centred justice. She cited specialised Gender Justice Courts and expanded protection systems amid rising GBV cases.
Omae said the commission under his leadership would put focus on healing divisions, promoting peaceful coexistence and reinforcing unity among communities.
In Gazette Notice No. 6567, issued under the Constitution of Kenya and the Judicial Service Act, the Chief Justice provided a framework aimed at ensuring continuity of cases and preventing delays or prejudice to litigants affected by the transfers.
The President congratulated Justice Warsame on his elevation to the Supreme Court, describing the appointment as a rare responsibility held by only a small number of jurists in the country.
The appointment follows Warsame’s nomination by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) following successful interviews.