Chief Justice Martha Koome has strongly condemned the police for their excessive use of force during protests against the 2024 finance bill and the recent surge in abductions across the country.
Speaking during the admission of 401 Advocates, Koome urged the police to develop better policies for the procedural arrest of suspects.
“The law permits peaceful demonstrations, and we must ensure that justice is served to all victims of police brutality,” said Koome.
She emphasized the importance of lawful and peaceful protest, highlighting the necessity for the police to respect citizens’ rights. “We should not witness cases of excessive use of force that threaten the lives of peaceful and unarmed protesters. I therefore condemn the excessive use of force.”
The CJ also addressed the recent destruction of judiciary property during the protests, affirming that the judiciary will not be intimidated. “We cannot, as judges and judicial officers, envisage anybody taking the law into their own hands and taking away a life. Life is precious; it should always be preserved. Even if somebody is caught stealing or committing the worst form of crime, they must be arrested and processed according to the law,” she stated.
Her remarks underscore the judiciary’s commitment to upholding justice and ensuring that all actions, including those by law enforcement, adhere to legal and ethical standards.
