Kenya: Koome Disowns Fake Letter Alleging Plot to Influence Supreme Court

What the report says

Kenya’s Judiciary has rejected a letter circulating on social media that was purportedly signed by Chief Justice Martha Koome and claimed there had been efforts to influence the Supreme Court. In a public notice reported by Capital FM and carried by AllAfrica, the institution said the document was fake and was not written or issued by Koome, her office, or any authorised Judiciary body.

The disputed material, dated August 17, 2026, allegedly referred to a complaint by Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu and made claims about a constitutional petition involving the eligibility of impeached public officers to run for office. It also falsely linked the matter to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, former Chief Justice David Maraga and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka. The Judiciary said none of those assertions came from the Chief Justice or any official arm of the institution.

The Judiciary said the forged communication appeared designed to suggest it had taken a position on a politically sensitive issue. It warned against using the Chief Justice’s name or office to bolster political messaging, and reminded the public that the courts remain constitutionally independent and impartial.

The institution urged journalists, stakeholders and members of the public to verify alleged official communications through its formal channels before sharing them. The episode comes as Kenyan courts handle disputes with political implications, making misinformation around judicial proceedings especially sensitive.