The battle between the Judiciary and the Executive has intensified with the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA) condemning the government's decision to withdraw Chief Justice Martha Koome's security detail. The controversial move has sparked sharp criticism, with legal bodies asserting that it undermines judicial independence and sets a dangerous precedent for the country's constitutional institutions.
In a press briefing in Nairobi yesterday, LSK President Faith Odhiambo expressed strong disapproval of the move, saying it infringes on the independence of the Judiciary.
She described it as an assault on the Judiciary's autonomy.
Ms Odhiambo condemned the National Police Service (NPS) for what she called a coordinated effort to weaken the Judiciary Police Unit. "This decision is a direct attempt to coerce the Judiciary into becoming an appendage of the Executive, which is a clear violation of the Constitution," Odhiambo said, adding: "It is both unfortunate and unacceptable, and indicative of coordinated efforts to weaken the Judiciary Police Unit." Odhiambo went on to highlight that the decision points to systemic failures within NPS, accusing them of a lack of competence in handling such critical matters "Whether by omission or commission, this situation is unacceptable and reveals serious administrative lapses within the National Police Service. This mistaken perception that the Judiciary is subordinate to the other arms of government is a historic bastardization of the Principle of Separation of Powers, which must be deconstructed," she said.
