Former Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has suffered a blow after the High Court dismissed his bid to overturn a ruling that held him personally accountable for police brutality against striking doctors, including the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Davji Atella.
Justice Roselyne Aburili upheld the earlier judgement delivered on December 31, 2024 by Justice Jairus Ngaah, which found Koome criminally and personally liable under the doctrine of command responsibility for the unlawful actions carried out by officers acting under his orders. "The court finds and holds that the application dated January 16, 2025, seeking to set aside the judgment delivered on December 31, 2024, lacks merit.
It is hereby dismissed," ruled Justice Aburili.
In his application, Koome argued that he had not been properly served with court documents and only became aware of the ruling through the media on January 8, 2025.
