Chief Justice Martha Koome and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) have strongly condemned an incident involving the use of firearms by anti-riot police officers during a re-arrest operation at the Ruiru Law Courts.
The incident occurred on the evening of Friday, July 4, during the re-arrest of Peter Kinyanjui, also known as Kawanjiru, who serves as the youth leader for the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
According to eyewitness reports, tension erupted when officers attempted to forcefully re-arrest Kinyanjui outside the court premises.
In an effort to disperse a gathering crowd, the anti-riot police fired several shots into the air. The scene caused panic among onlookers, leading to heightened concern about the safety and sanctity of court environments.
In response, the JSC issued a detailed statement criticizing the police’s conduct, describing their actions as unnecessary, overly aggressive, and a serious violation of the Judiciary’s authority and integrity.
The Commission emphasized that such displays of force, especially within or near court facilities, are unacceptable and threaten the independence and sanctity of the justice system.
“While the Commission acknowledges the role of the police in enforcing the law and apprehending suspects, the use of firearms within the court precincts is excessive, uncalled for, and deeply disrespectful to the dignity of the Judiciary,” part of the statement read.
The JSC also pointed out that Peter Kinyanjui had been legally released on bond following a court decision, and his re-arrest—particularly the manner in which it was carried out—raised serious concerns about the observance of due process.
The Commission reminded law enforcement officers that courts are sacred and must be treated as neutral grounds where justice is delivered without intimidation or violence. “Courts are sanctuaries of constitutional justice.
They must be protected and maintained as peaceful, secure, and impartial venues for judicial proceedings,” the JSC noted.
In light of the incident, the Judiciary has advised all security agencies, especially the police, to avoid carrying out any operations involving the use of firearms within court premises or their immediate surroundings.
The Commission emphasized that such actions not only endanger lives but also undermine public confidence in the legal system.
The statement, signed by JSC Secretary Winfridah Mokaya, CBS, further called on all stakeholders in the justice sector to respect the independence of the Judiciary and avoid actions that weaken public trust in institutions that uphold the rule of law.
“We urge all actors within the justice sector to act with integrity and ensure that their conduct supports, rather than erodes, the credibility of our judicial institutions,” Mokaya stated.
Peter Kinyanjui, the individual at the center of the incident, is a known ally of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. His arrest is linked to the violent demonstrations that broke out in Nakuru on June 25.
While he had earlier been released on bond by the court, the manner of his re-arrest has sparked nationwide debate about police conduct and the protection of judicial independence.
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