Chief Justice Martha Koome
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Chief Justice Martha Koome's security detail has been withdrawn, creating tension between her office and President William Ruto's administration.
In a letter dated January 23, Koome addressed Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja, informing them of the removal of her bodyguards and the reduction of personnel within the Judiciary Police Unit. Koome characterizes this decision as an act of executive interference that undermines the Constitution's mandate for judicial independence. She urges Murkomen and Kanja to restore her security detail unconditionally and to bolster the Judiciary Police Unit's capacity.
"The withdrawal of this security detail is an egregious affront to the principle of separation of powers," she declared. "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."
This incident marks the second occurrence within four months where the judiciary has protested against the withdrawal of security for a senior judge. In September, the bodyguards of High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi were disarmed and removed, sparking a similar conflict. Notably, both incidents occurred before anticipated court appearances of senior police officers facing allegations related to the abduction and disappearance of Kenyan citizens.
The National Police Service responded by stating that the Judicial Police Unit personnel were recalled for promotional training courses, assuring that they were replaced during their absence. Police Spokesperson Dr. Resila Onyango reaffirms the National Police Service's commitment to collaborative efforts within Kenya's criminal justice system. As of the time of publication, CS Murkomen had not responded to multiple requests for comments.
In her correspondence, Koome points out that the reduced number of officers exposes court users to increased danger. The Judiciary Police Unit, established in 2021, is an arm of the National Police Service. Following the tragic murder of Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti during a court session in June 2024 by Londiani Police Chief Samson Kipruto, who was acting in retaliation for a denied bail request for his wife, the judiciary has engaged in discussions for increased security measures.
The judiciary's response included calls for a more robust presence in courtrooms, advocating for a dedicated and autonomous Judiciary Police Unit across all judicial facilities. In her letter, Koome highlighted the urgent need for additional officers to ensure security within judicial spaces. "This withdrawal of Judiciary Police Unit officers not only exacerbates existing vulnerabilities but also jeopardizes the ability of the judiciary to perform its constitutional mandate," she emphasized.