Judges and magistrates condemn CJ Koome's security withdrawal
National
By
Sharon Wanga
| Jan 24, 2025
Chief Justice Martha Koome at the Supreme Courts, Nairobi. January 13th,2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]
The Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA) has condemned the withdrawal of Chief Justice Martha Koome’s security detail.
Koome announced on Thursday that the government had withdrawn her security detail.
The association criticised the move, describing it as a “unilateral and arbitrary decision” that was not communicated to the judiciary or the Chief Justice.
“Unknown to the judiciary and its leadership, the National Police Service was in the process of recalling the security detail/close escorts attached to the Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya,” stated KMJA President Justice Radido.
READ MORE
Settle pending bills, employers tell State as thousands laid off
Local ISPs now feel the heat as Starlink doubles market share
Pres Ruto says Nzoia Sugar will be leased to a strategic investor
S Sudan threatens to suspend Stanbic licence in Sh722m row
KRA rolls out trade initiatives to boost exports
'It was an act of God', judge rules in Sh2.3 billion KenGen compensation case
Motoring: Water vs coolant- which is better for your car?
Surge in high-end hotels spurs visits by foreign tourists
Flats dominate property market as leasing now outpaces rentals
The Inspector General of Police explained yesterday that the security was withdrawn to take part in training.
Justice Radido confirmed that the security has been reinstated following a formal complaint made to various high-level officers.
The association also revealed that the commandant of the Judiciary Police Unit and 23 other officers had been recalled over the past few days.
“The commandant and officers have not been replaced,” he added.
Consequently, the judges and magistrates urged police to discharge their mandate lawfully and secure institutions as designated.
The group also urged the Judicial Service Commission to observe all constitutional protections assured to judges and magistrates.
Radido stated that talks are underway to resolve the security issues and prevent such incidents in the future.
“In this regard, under the ambit of the National Council on the Administration of Justice, structures have been put in place to enable the judiciary and all stakeholders to dialogue, identify any weaknesses and lapses, individual and collective, and resolve how to address the same,” he noted.
Their concerns come a day after Koome wrote to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, noting that the decision threatens judicial independence and public trust in state institutions.
“This action sets a dangerous precedent, where constitutional offices can be undermined through external pressure,” said Koome.