The Judicial Service Commission, headed by Chief Justice Martha Koome, has condemned a recent event where anti-riot officers fired gunshots into the air outside the Ruiru courts.
On Friday, July 4 evening, tensions escalated at the Ruiri courts during the re-arrest of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) youth leader Peter Kinyanjui alias Kawanjiru.
While forcefully taking him into their custody, the anti-riot police shot in the air to disperse the crowd at the courts.
Responding to the events, in a lengthy statement, the JSC condemned the use of excessive force and guns by police officers during the re-arrest.
According to the JSC, the action by the police was excessive, unjustified, and an insult to the authority and dignity of the Judiciary.
“While the Commission recognises and respects the constitutional mandate of the police to enforce the law and apprehend suspects, the use of firearms in a court environment is excessive, unjustified, and an affront to the authority and dignity of the Judiciary,” the statement read in part.
The JSC acknowledged that the accused had been lawfully released on bond following a court ruling.
The commission revealed that while it respects the constitutional mandate of the police to enforce the law, the use of firearms in a court environment was unacceptable.
“Courts are sacred spaces of constitutional adjudication. They are to be respected, protected, and preserved as secure and impartial forums for the administration of justice,” JSC continued.
To ensure safety in the court precincts, the judiciary has advised police not to use firearms in courts and their surroundings.
JSC Secretary Winfridah Mokaya, CBS, who signed the statement, urged all actors within the justice sector to uphold the integrity of judicial institutions.
“We therefore urge all actors within the justice sector to refrain from acts which erode confidence in the institutions charged with the administration of justice,” she said.
The Gachagua ally had been arrested following the chaos witnessed in Nakuru during the June 25 protests.
