Chief Justice Martha Koome has warned that a rising tide of cyberbullying targeting judges and judicial officers poses a “real and present threat” to Kenya’s judicial independence, drawing concern from the United Nations Human Rights Office.
Speaking at the official opening of the 2025 Judges Colloquium themed “Digital Transformation, Technology and Law – Tech Justice,” CJ Koome said that while technology has revolutionized access to justice, it has also opened new avenues for attacks on the Judiciary.
“Over the last one year, we have witnessed a worrying and ugly trend of increased cyberbullying, targeted harassment, and orchestrated online campaigns against judges and judicial officers,” Koome said. “These platforms have become conduits for unfounded accusations, half-truths, and outright defamatory allegations intended to delegitimize judicial decisions and corrode public confidence in our system of justice.”
The Chief Justice revealed that the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed deep concern over this trend, adding that a Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers is set to undertake a fact-finding mission in Kenya. “Such an engagement will not only help us assess the situation, but will also provide authoritative guidance on measures to fortify our resilience,” she said.
Koome warned that unchecked digital intimidation risks creating a chilling effect, where judges may feel pressured to rule in line with political or commercial interests rather than upholding the Constitution and the law. “Protecting that space of fearless adjudication is essential if the Judiciary is to continue playing its role as the last line of defence for justice, rights, and the rule of law,” she affirmed.
Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya highlighted Kenya’s growing reputation as a global benchmark in judicial technology. “Technology now underpins nearly every aspect of our operations—from case tracking to judgment writing—and in just two years, we have hosted seven high-level delegations seeking to learn from our systems,” she noted.
Kenya Judiciary Academy Director Dr. Smokin Wanjala added that judges must stay updated on technological advances to ensure jurisprudence remains both sound and relevant. “Our work is being reshaped by profound technological transformations. Judges must understand how these developments impact the law,” Wanjala observed.
The Judges Colloquium brings together all superior court judges and key stakeholders to deliberate on emerging issues affecting the administration of justice. This year’s forum has placed digital transformation and judicial integrity at the center of its discussions — with global eyes now watching Kenya’s next steps.
