Lady Justice Martha Koome on Monday officially took over the office of Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya after being sworn into office last week.


During the event at the Supreme Court buildings, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, who has been acting as CJ, handed over the instruments of power to the new CJ Koome.


Mwilu handed over the The Constitution of Kenya 2010, judiciary flag and a report of the Chief Justice on the State of Judiciary to the new judiciary head and Supreme Court President.


“I will help you whenever you need my support. I'll guide you on how to work whenever you call on me. You're not the female justice, you're the Chief Justice of Kenya. Wewe ndio kusema,” said the DCJ.

CJ Koome promised speedy justice to Kenyans and pledged that no case will be in the corridors of justice for more than three years amid a huge backlog.

"When I crossed the bar, moving from arguing cases before the bench to determining them on the bench, it was because I wanted to be part of the solution to challenges in our justice system," Koome said.

Retired CJ David Maraga congratulated Koome on her appointment, wishing her well as she takes over the head of the Kenyan Judiciary.