The Judiciary, once seen by many Kenyans as a symbol of fairness and independence, is now facing serious questions after new revelations from the Auditor General’s report. The report as stated by People Daily, covering the 2023/2024 financial year, places the Judiciary at the center of a troubling Ksh 2 billion accountability crisis.
This has shocked many who believed the institution stood above political and financial interference. According to Auditor General Nancy Gathungu, the Judiciary is one of 11 state agencies named in connection with unexplained spending. Out of the Ksh 2 billion flagged, Ksh 783.9 million came from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. Even more worrying is the Ksh 1.26 billion linked to donor-funded projects, which are usually expected to follow stricter financial rules.
This situation has put Chief Justice Martha Koome in the spotlight. Since taking office, Koome has spoken strongly about transparency, justice reforms, and protecting the Judiciary from political influence.
Her leadership has often been praised for trying to make the courts more open and accessible. However, this new report brings a different image one where the Judiciary is now grouped with government departments known for poor financial accountability.
For an institution that has frequently called out corruption and misuse of public funds in other parts of government, this development feels like a painful contradiction.What makes things worse is the Judiciary’s reaction.
Instead of welcoming public scrutiny and offering detailed responses, the institution seems uneasy and silent.
This silence has only raised more questions. People are now wondering how such a trusted institution allowed itself to be caught up in what looks like a serious misuse of funds. The lack of clear answers makes the situation even worse for public trust. If the Judiciary expects other arms of government to be accountable, then it must apply the same standards to itself.
Chief Justice Koome must now make a clear choice either act boldly to fix these financial issues and restore trust or risk further damage to the institution’s reputation.
The Judiciary has always demanded high standards from others. Now, it must prove that it can meet those same standards within its own walls.
The truth is, independence without accountability is meaningless, and justice must begin at home.
