Chief Justice Martha Koome has issued a powerful call to action urging the preservation of the rule of law, respect for human rights, and national unity, as tensions continue to simmer across the country.

Speaking in her capacity as the Chairperson of the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ), Justice Koome led the Council in releasing a comprehensive communiqué addressing ongoing civil unrest, policing concerns, and the need for institutional cooperation to preserve peace and constitutional order.

The communiqué, shared on her official X account on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, outlines a wide range of measures aimed at guiding security agencies, judicial officers, and national leadership in handling protests, curbing violence, and protecting citizens’ rights.

In the statement, the NCAJ emphasised that the National Police Service (NPS) must carry out its mandate with the utmost professionalism, proportionality, and strict adherence to human rights principles.

“The National Police Service shall maintain law and order with professionalism, proportionality, and respect for human rights. All security operations must comply with constitutional safeguards in line with human rights principles,” the Council stated.

The Council also called for greater inter-agency collaboration, particularly urging the police to enhance cooperation with other justice sector institutions, including the Judiciary, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), and civil society organisations.

Timely sharing of information, the communiqué noted, is vital in facilitating independent oversight and ensuring that law enforcement actions are lawful and accountable.

“The Council calls for enhanced cooperation between the Judiciary, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the National Police Service, IPOA, Civil Society Organisations, and other oversight bodies to ensure law enforcement is effective, accountable, and aligned with constitutional mandates.”

In light of the recent reports of sexual violence during protests, the NCAJ expressed serious concern and called for immediate interventions to protect women, children, and other vulnerable groups.

“The police, as the first point of contact, must work with all stakeholders to ensure safety and dignity during periods of unrest,” the council stated, adding that the surge in sexual violence must be addressed as a matter of urgency.

Criminal gangs

The communiqué further urged police to dismantle organised criminal gangs that have taken root at local levels, warning that such groups pose a grave threat to public safety and cohesion.

According to the Council, this must be done through intelligence-led operations and community-based policing approaches that foster trust and partnership.

“The Council notes the grave concern about the existence of organised criminal gangs at the local level. The police must dismantle these infrastructures of violence through intelligence-led operations and community-based interventions.”

Turning to broader governance matters, the NCAJ reaffirmed the importance of upholding judicial independence, encouraging courts to exercise discretion in bail and bond decisions with fairness, balance, and proportionality.

The Council also insisted that other constitutional commissions and independent offices be allowed to function freely and without undue interference.

“The independence of other constitutional commissions and independent offices must be upheld to enable them to undertake their mandate effectively.”

Chief Justice Koome and the Council also highlighted the untapped potential of the youth, calling for deliberate engagement with young people to address their grievances, particularly those related to unemployment and economic marginalisation.

“The youth are a national resource,” the Council stated, emphasising the need for policy and institutional frameworks that allow them to thrive.

As part of its recommendations for systemic change, the Council urged the National Treasury to activate and resource the Victim Compensation Fund, enabling courts to issue compensation orders for victims of violence and wrongful arrests. This, the NCAJ argued, is an essential component of restorative justice.

“The Council calls for immediate activation and resourcing of the Victim Compensation Fund by the National Treasury to enable courts to grant compensation orders to victims of violence and wrongful arrests.”