Chief Justice Martha Koome was visibly impressed as she welcomed participants at the 14th World Conference of the International Association of Refugee and Migration Judges (IARMJ) in Nairobi, following the attendance of President William Ruto.

Her admiration came after learning of the president’s extraordinary overnight journey to ensure his presence at the event.

Koome, speaking on behalf of the judiciary on Monday, November 17, 2025, noted that she had watched the news the previous night and saw the president in Marsabit County.

She described the experience as astonishing, explaining that she had been holding her heart in her hands, wondering how Ruto would travel over 700 kilometres overnight to attend the conference the next morning.

She marvelled at his dedication, remarking that such an effort could only come from someone who could be called a “miracle worker.”

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“In fact, last night I watched the news and saw you in Masabit, and I was holding my heart with my hands, wondering how you would travel over 700 kilometres to be here this morning. You must be a miracle worker,” Koome stated

The Chief Justice said she was deeply grateful for the President’s effort and dedication to attending the event despite his packed schedule.

“Thank Your Excellency for honouring our invitation (0:24) to join us this morning despite your very busy schedule as the head of state.”She said.

Ruto’s journey was no ordinary trip. On Sunday, November 16, 2025, he attended a morning service and the Diamond Jubilee celebration at the Africa Inland Church (AIC) in Loglogo, Marsabit County.

Prior to that, on Saturday night, November 15, 2025, he travelled approximately 940 kilometres to Mombasa County to celebrate 20 years of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) with party founders. Following these engagements, he journeyed overnight to Nairobi, covering more than 700 kilometres to attend the IARMJ conference.

During the conference, Chief Justice Koome underscored major gains made by Kenya’s Judiciary in refugee and migration law. She highlighted landmark rulings affirming the rights of refugees, protecting stateless persons, and upholding constitutional guarantees for children born to Kenyan refugee couples.

She called on judges worldwide to strengthen cooperation, ensure fairness, and uphold the integrity of asylum systems amid rising global displacement.

Koome also addressed emerging global challenges, including climate-induced displacement, human trafficking, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence in justice systems.

She emphasised that judges are custodians of justice and human rights, insisting that their vigilance and courage offer hope to millions seeking safety and a better future.