The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has raised concern over the increasing cases of cyberattacks targeting the Kenyan Judiciary, warning that the trend poses a grave risk to judicial independence.
In response to these developments, the UN has indicated that it is considering sending the Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers to Kenya for a fact-finding mission. The move is expected to help assess the extent of the threats and offer guidance on measures needed to protect judicial officers and institutions from digital intimidation.
Chief Justice Martha Koome disclosed the UN's planned intervention on Monday while opening the 2025 Judges Colloquium themed "Digital Transformation, Technology and Law - Tech Justice." She welcomed the UN's interest, noting that an external assessment would provide Kenya with global perspectives on strengthening judicial resilience.
Chief Justice Martha Koome delivers an address during the swearing-in of various independent commission office holders in Nairobi on January 20, 2025.
