NAIROBI— Chief Justice Martha Koome has condemned the violent protests witnessed across Kenya, calling for a return to peaceful civic engagement and rights-respecting policing. She made the remarks on Monday during the swearing-in ceremony of three new members of the National Police Service Commission at the Supreme Court in Nairobi.
Peris Muthoni Kimani, Benjamin Juma Imai, and Prof. Collette Suda officially joined the Commission at a time of rising tensions across the country following deadly anti-government demonstrations.
“We are coming into office at a time when our country and our democratic fabric have come under strain through waves of public protests,” Koome stated. “These moments have reminded us of the delicate balance that must be maintained between the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and the imperative of people-centered, professional policing.”
Her comments come days after protests marking the Saba Saba anniversary turned violent in parts of the country, leading to multiple deaths, injuries, and widespread property damage. Demonstrators had taken to the streets over economic grievances and rising public discontent, but some gatherings spiraled into looting and arson.
Koome underscored the right of Kenyans to express their views but insisted that protests must be lawful.
“The public has the right to protest, but it must be peaceful, unarmed, and without destruction or looting,” she said. “It is very painful for a citizen to lose property they have worked so hard to build.”
Addressing the conduct of law enforcement, Koome emphasized that the police must operate within constitutional boundaries and protect human rights in all their responses.
“Police must respond with restraint, proportionality, and strict adherence to human rights standards avoiding actions that could cause unnecessary harm or loss of life,” she added.
The swearing-in of the new commissioners comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the National Police Service following accusations of excessive force, arbitrary arrests, and the deployment of unidentifiable officers during protests.
Koome reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to supporting constitutional governance and urged all public institutions to work together in restoring public trust and upholding the rule of law.
Her statement adds to the growing chorus of voices demanding accountability and reform in both civic action and police conduct, as Kenyans continue to push for justice and economic relief through the streets and the courts.
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