The Kenya Judges Association (KMJA) has condemned the removal of Chief Justice Martha Khume’s security detail. Ms.
Khume announced on Thursday that the government had stripped her of her security detail. The association criticized the move as a “unilateral and arbitrary decision” and that neither the judiciary nor the Chief Justice was informed of it.
KMJA president Radid said “the police service was about to withdraw the guards of the Chief Justice of Kenya and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court although the judiciary and their leadership were not informed.” He stated. The Inspector General of Police explained yesterday that the guards were withdrawn to participate in an exercise.
Justice Ruddid confirmed that the guards were reinstated following formal complaints made to various senior officials. The association also said that the commander of the Judicial Police Force and 23 other officers have been recalled over the past few days.
The commander and police officers are yet to be replaced. As a result, the Judges and Magistrates called on the police to carry out their duties lawfully and ensure the security of their authorized agencies.
The group also called on the Judicial Service Commission to respect all constitutional guarantees guaranteed to judges and magistrates. Mr. Radid stated that talks are ongoing to address security concerns and ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.
In this regard, a structure has been set up within the National Council for the Administration of Justice to allow for dialog between the judiciary and all stakeholders to identify individual and collective shortcomings and failings and decide how to address them.” Their concerns came a day after Hume wrote to Home Affairs Minister Kipchumba Murukomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanje, pointing out that the decision threatens the independence of the judiciary and public confidence in state institutions. The decision sets a dangerous precedent where constitutional powers are undermined by external pressure,” Mr. Koum said.
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