The security detail of Chief Justice Martha Koome has been withdrawn and the number of police police units assigned to the Judiciary scaled down.
Speaking after the news, Martha Koome noted that the move is meant to undermine the independence of the Judicary.
Koome made the statement through a letter that she addressed both the Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja.
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“I express profound concern over the withdrawal of security for the Chief Justice—an act that undermines judicial independence, threatens institutional integrity, and endangers democratic progress,” she said
“State organs are entrusted with the solemn duty of serving the public using resources provided by taxpayers. This obligation demands that no institution or officeholder be subjected to intimidation, coercion, or undue interference by another arm of government.” she continued
She continued by highlighting the importance of the office which she said was there to ensure that it exercises its powers accordingly.
“It serves as an institutional safeguard to protect judicial officers, premises, and processes from any threats that could impair the administration of justice. The withdrawal of this security detail is an egregious affront to the principle of separation of powers.
Judicial independence is the cornerstone of a functional democracy. It ensures that the Judiciary can act impartially, apply the law equitably, and hold other arms of government accountable without succumbing to external influence.” she said
According to the CJ, the reduction of police units assigned to Judiciary exposes the safety of judicial personnel thus undermining the entire service.
“The Judiciary is gravely concerned about the weakening of the Judiciary Police Unit, a critical component of judicial security. Rather than being bolstered to meet growing demands, its capacity has been diminished by the withdrawal of a significant number of officers.
This not only exacerbates existing vulnerabilities but also jeopardizes the safety of judicial personnel and spaces across the country, thereby undermining the entire judicial system’s operational efficacy.” she said
The news comes at a time when CJ Martha Koome said that she is not moved by intimidation and calls for her to resign. She said that she was duly appointed to the position.
