Chief Justice Koome Condemns Attacks on Courts During Protests, Warns Against Undermining Rule of Law

NAIROBI, Kenya— Chief Justice Martha Koome has condemned the attacks meted out on judicial infrastructure in yesterday’s demonstration to commemorate the killing of several youths during last year’s anti-Finance Bill protests.

Koome in a statement warned that such actions threaten the rule of law and deny vulnerable Kenyans access to justice.

 “Courts are sacred spaces in a constitutional democracy as they are the neutral grounds where disputes are resolved and rights upheld,” she stated.

“To target them is to erode the very foundation of our democratic and legal order.”

The Judiciary Police Unit had yesterday confirmed multiple incidents of vandalism, including the destruction of the Kikuyu Law Courts, damage to the newly established Dagoretti Law Courts, and break-ins at the old Ol Kalou Law Courts, which houses critical exhibits.

Acording to Koome,the destruction of court buildings reverses years of effort in expanding judicial access, particularly to marginalized communities.

She assured affected court users and staff that efforts are underway to restore disrupted services and ensure continued access to justice.

This is however not the first time the judiciary is bearing the brunt of demonstrations.

Last year, irate demonstrators stormed the Judiciary headquarters in Nairobi, breaking windows and looting property.