Chief Justice Martha Koome on Friday, September 9, announced that a new police unit was being formed to protect judiciary personnel.
In an interview with a local radio station, Koome mentioned that 3000 more police officers will be deployed to provide security especially to the magistrates and judges at home and in their workstations.
The extra security is part of a deal spearheaded by the Chief Justice and Inspector General of Police Hilary Mutyambai.
“A new unit headed by Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police has been formed to provide security to our officers at work and at home,” noted Koome.
She proceeded to mention that although they already have security, the services need to be increased especially in their homes.
The new unit, called the Judicial Police Unit, was formed specifically to protect judiciary personnel countrywide.
Officers serving in the unit will also have their own outfits which will be launched soon. It will have officers from both regular and administrative wings.
The country's top judge added that as part of her reforms she will be launching the judiciary vision on Thursday, September 16.
“All these structures and reforms are to ensure that Kenya is secure in terms of justice,” she remarked.
Since taking office in May this year, Koome has sought to improve the strained relations between the Judiciary and the Executive arms of government.
She earlier brokered a deal that saw some of the 41 judges whose appointment had been pending for months, assume office after confirmation by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The CJ has also been working to increase the Judiciary budget which had been cut due to deteriorated relationship between her predecessor, David Maraga and President Kenyatta.
