The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has condemned the National Police Service for withdrawing Chief Justice Martha Koome’s security.

Through its President Faith Odhiambo, LSK stressed that the Judiciary is an independent institution and plays a key role in governance, calling on security agencies to serve all Kenyans equally and without prejudice.

“The Constitution spells out the separation of powers through the three arms of government, which have similar status and priorities. The mistaken perception that the Judiciary is subordinate to the other arms must be deconstructed,” she stated.

At the same time, Odhiambo criticised the National Police Service for acting as an appendage of the Executive, giving it superiority over the Judiciary.

“We understand that the explanation has been given by the Inspector General of Police, but we want to remind them that the security of the CJ is not just a casual matter,” she added.

Hours after Koome announced the withdrawal of her security, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja issued an explanation stating that the officers attached to the Judiciary Police Unit had been recalled for either training after promotion or procedurally transferred to other stations.

He stated that other officers have been reassigned to the Chief Justice as those who left prepare to start their promotional courses.