Tensions rise between Executive, Judiciary as Chief Justice Koome’s security is withdrawn
Koome noted that the security reduction has exposed her office and judicial officers to vulnerabilities, undermining the Judiciary’s ability to fulfil its constitutional mandate.
Chief Justice Martha Koome’s security detail has reportedly been withdrawn, alongside a reduction in officers assigned to the Judiciary Police Unit.
In a letter addressed to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja, the Chief Justice condemned the decision, terming it as a violation of the Constitution’s principle of separation of powers.
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“The withdrawal of this security detail is an egregious affront to the principle of separation of powers. Such an action not only weakens trust in public institutions but also sets a perilous precedent, suggesting that key constitutional offices can be undermined through external pressure or retaliation,” she said.
She called for the immediate reinstatement of her security and an enhancement of the Judiciary Police Unit’s capacity.
The move, initiated by the Interior Ministry, has sparked tensions between the Judiciary and the Executive, with concerns raised over constitutional implications.
Koome noted that the security reduction has exposed her office and judicial officers to vulnerabilities, undermining the Judiciary’s ability to fulfil its constitutional mandate.
“This action not only exacerbates existing vulnerabilities but also jeopardises the security of judicial personnel and spaces across the country, thereby undermining the entire justice system’s operational efficacy,” she said.
Reinforcement calls
The Judiciary Police Unit, established in 2021 under the National Police Service, has faced repeated calls for reinforcement. In June 2024, the Chief Justice and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) demanded increased deployment of officers following the tragic murder of Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti.
Magistrate Kivuti was shot dead in open court by Londiani police chief Samson Kipruto, who was angered by her decision to deny his wife bail. Kipruto was killed by Judiciary Police Unit officers after he fired at them.
The LSK subsequently urged the creation of an autonomous Judiciary Police Unit to ensure the safety of judicial officers and court users across the country.
CJ Koome reiterated the need for bolstering the unit, stating, “The capacity of the Judiciary Police Unit must be strengthened, not diminished, to address the pressing need for enhanced judicial security in a rapidly evolving environment and against the precedent of open attacks on judges and judicial officers in open court.”
This incident marks the second withdrawal of a senior judge’s security in recent months. In September, High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi’s security was removed shortly after he sentenced acting Inspector-General of Police Gilbert Masengeli to six months in prison for contempt of court.
Justice Mugambi had cited Masengeli’s repeated failure to appear before him to explain the abduction of three men in Kitengela.
The Judiciary has since expressed concerns that these security decisions compromise the independence of judicial offices and set a dangerous precedent.
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