Chief Justice Martha Koome has renewed her warning against individuals financing and organising criminal gangs, saying those behind acts of violence must face prosecution alongside the young people recruited to carry out the attacks.
Speaking on Thursday during the opening and operationalisation of Maara Law Courts in Tharaka Nithi County, Koome defended her earlier remarks calling for the prosecution of sponsors of goons under serious crimes laws.
She said individuals who finance or organise gangs should not be allowed to escape accountability while only those directly involved in carrying out attacks face arrest and prosecution.
Koome warned that anyone found facilitating violence and disrupting the administration of justice must be brought before the courts, adding that the law should apply to both the perpetrators and those who plan or finance their activities.
She also cautioned security and investigating officers against interfering with the prosecution of sexual offences, particularly defilement cases.
The Chief Justice said officers who obstruct justice in such matters, including through arrangements that allow parties to negotiate or hold discussions outside court, should face prosecution for undermining the judicial process.
Her remarks come amid growing concern over the involvement of organised groups in violence and the alleged role of influential individuals who finance or mobilise young people to intimidate others.
Council of Governors Chairperson and Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki supported Koome's position, saying efforts to address goonism would remain incomplete if authorities only arrested the youths involved in attacks while leaving their sponsors untouched.
Njuki argued that financiers and organisers must also be investigated and brought before the courts if the country is to effectively deal with the problem.
He said arresting young people without pursuing those directing and funding them would allow the criminal networks to continue operating.
The governor backed the Chief Justice's call for accountability, maintaining that those who provide financial support and organise violent activities should not be shielded from the law.
The remarks were made as Koome officially opened Maara Law Courts, a new judicial facility built through the support of Maara Member of Parliament Kareke Mbiuki and the Judiciary.
The facility becomes the 151st magistrate's court in the country, adding to the Judiciary's efforts to bring justice services closer to communities.
Koome said the Judiciary was working towards increasing the number of courts to 200 before the end of her tenure, noting that expanding court infrastructure would improve access to justice for people who currently travel long distances to seek legal services.
She said the establishment of Maara Law Courts would help reduce pressure on neighbouring courts while making it easier for residents to pursue cases closer to their homes.
A total of 269 cases are expected to be transferred from Chuka Law Courts to the new facility. Approximately 100 of them involve land-related disputes, which have been among the cases requiring judicial attention in the area.
The new courts are scheduled to begin operations on January 4, 2027, when they will start handling the transferred matters and other cases filed within their jurisdiction.
The transfer is expected to ease the workload at Chuka Law Courts and provide residents with a more accessible option for resolving disputes.
Koome said the expansion of judicial infrastructure was part of a broader effort to improve service delivery and ensure that justice was available to Kenyans regardless of where they live.
