Koome security reinstated after public uproar
Chief Justice Martha Koome’s security has been reinstated.
Judges and Magistrates Association of Kenya said formal complaints were submitted to senior police officers following the withdrawal of Koome’s security.
The president of the association, Justice Stephen Radido, condemned the move.
“The Police Commander for the Judiciary, along with 23 officers who were serving in that unit, have been reassigned and transferred, putting the security of the institution at risk,” Radido said.
He demanded the police department fulfils its duties while respecting the boundaries set by the Constitution.
In the letter, he said detail/close escort(s) were recalled under the guise that they were going or promotional training.
He said the decision to recall the officers was not disclosed to the Chief Justice in advance.
“The command of the National Police Service did not consult the Chief Justice or the administrative management of the judiciary,” he added.
“The decision was unilateral and arbitrary. The deployment of police officers to secure the Judiciary and its facilities, judges and magistrates serves to secure the independence of the institution and all actors in the judicial and administration of justice sector,” Radido said in the letter.
From the events, he said, the Executive Council believes that there are people within our society who are keen to reinvent and use McCarthyism tactics to intimidate, and coerce judges and magistrates and with an end goal of a weakened Judiciary.
“It is disheartening that in addition to the McCarthyism tactics deployed by certain members of the society, the National Police Service has now resorted to Gestapo-like practices while discharging its obligations to the Judiciary and its members.
“The Executive Council calls upon the command of the National Police Service to discharge its legal obligations within the contours of the law,” said Radido.