Chief Justice Martha Koome in a past address. PHOTO | COURTESY

The Judiciary is appealing to the National Assembly for additional funding to enhance its capacity to handle disputes and other logistical issues related to next year’s General Election.

Chief Justice Martha Koome says the Judiciary has embarked on a training programme that will see more than 400 judges prepare for the General Election, warning politicians against the worrying goon culture.

A shortage of funds however threatens the Judiciary’s ability to prepare adequately.

“For the preparedness, for the logistics, because we move magistrates and judges a lot during election petitions. If a judge has been sitting in Mombasa during election petitions, they might find themselves sitting in Busia. That movement requires budgetary allocations,” said Koome.

The Judiciary has written to the National Assembly, outlining its concerns and appealing for additional funding to enable more than 400 judges to prepare to handle election petitions, with barely 10 months remaining before the next General Election.

“Tunatarajia kwamba tutapewa pesa za kutosha kwa sababu vile Chief Justice amesema, katika hii shughuli ya kutayarisha mahakama tunahitaji fedha nyingi wakati tunapofanya hizi election petitions,” said Court of Appeal Judge Daniel Musinga.

Justice Mohamed Warsame added: “Specifically, is to sharpen our skills, experience, our knowledge…find out where there has been weaknesses and improve on those areas to show that we are prepared for the 2027 election.”

The Chief Justice also warned politicians against the re-emergence of a goons culture, calling on relevant authorities to remain vigilant if the country is to achieve a free, fair and credible election.

“Do not intimidate your opponent by carrying goons so that they can’t express themselves. You do not invite violence,” the CJ stated.

The Judiciary seeks to strengthen its institutional capacity by prioritising effective case management and addressing emerging technological challenges in election-related cases that will be brought before the courts.