The president of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Faith Odhiambo, has criticized the withdrawal of Chief Justice Martha Koome’s security detail. She described the move as a dangerous attack on the independence of the judiciary. This follows a letter from Chief Justice Koome to the Cabinet Secretary for Home Affairs and the Inspector General of Police expressing concern over the decision.
In her statement, Odhiambo described the withdrawal as a glaring failure by the National Police Service. She stressed that Kenya’s 2010 constitution guarantees the independence of the judiciary. Any interference, she said, undermines the critical principle of separation of powers that protects democracy.
Odhiambo further accused the police of aligning itself with the executive, calling it a disturbing and unconstitutional trend. She urged the National Police Service to act impartially as required by law. According to her, such actions threaten to roll back the gains made in the independence of the judiciary since the promulgation of the Constitution.
The Inspector General of Police provided an explanation for the withdrawal of security, but Odhiambo dismissed it as inadequate. She argued that the security of the Chief Justice was a matter of national importance. It cannot be left to poor planning, miscommunication or administrative lapses.
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In addition, the LSK President noted a recurring pattern of withdrawing security from judicial officials. She described this as an attempt to intimidate judges and prosecutors in the performance of their duties. Coupled with recent attacks on members of the judiciary, she warned that this trend could undermine public confidence in the justice system.
Faith Odhiambo called on the police to immediately restore security to Chief Justice Koome and strengthen the judicial police unit. She stressed that the judiciary plays a crucial role in ensuring justice and accountability. Its independence, she said, must be protected at all costs. Odhiambo reiterated the LSK’s unwavering support for the judiciary and its commitment to upholding the rule of law.
