The withdrawal of Chief Justice Martha Koome’s security detail and the reduction of officers in the Judiciary Police Unit have sparked a national debate about judicial independence in Kenya. This move has been widely interpreted as political interference, further intensifying tensions between the judiciary and the executive.
In a letter to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja, CJ Koome criticized the actions as unconstitutional, stating that they threaten public trust and the principle of separation of powers. She called for the immediate restoration of her security and the reinforcement of safety measures for judicial officers and court users.
These developments occur amid heightened concerns about the safety of judicial staff, especially after the 2024 murder of Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti during a court session. The withdrawal of security highlights broader fears that judicial officers are increasingly vulnerable to external pressures.
This issue is compounded by ongoing protests against government accountability and alleged police misconduct, including claims of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Activists and human rights groups have called for an end to executive overreach and greater protection of the judiciary’s independence.
The future of judicial independence in Kenya remains a pressing concern as the judiciary seeks to uphold its mandate without undue interference.
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