As Kenyans continue to rally against police violence, the Judiciary has stepped forward with a firm declaration—justice will not be compromised. In a climate of heightened tension, the courts have promised to uphold the rule of law and protect citizens’ rights, especially in the face of excessive force used during peaceful demonstrations.
Highlights
- Judiciary pledges commitment to constitutional justice amid ongoing protests
- Citizens urged to pursue redress through legal channels, not violence
- Recent deaths and injuries from police action spark national outrage
- Law Society and human rights bodies back the Judiciary’s stance
- Courts signal readiness to hold law enforcement accountable
Main Story
In a strongly worded message, Kenya’s Judiciary has reaffirmed its responsibility to ensure the rule of law prevails—even as protest-related violence continues to escalate. The institution expressed concern over the increasing reports of police brutality and assured the public that justice will be pursued through due process.
The Judiciary’s message comes as Kenyans reel from recent incidents, including the killing of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody and the shooting of 22-year-old Boniface Kariuki during protests. In both cases, legal advocacy groups have urged for swift prosecution of those responsible, and courts have been called on to lead the accountability process.
Legal professionals, including the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), have welcomed the Judiciary’s position. The LSK is already pursuing litigation to restrict the use of force by police during protests, while human rights organizations have pointed out Kenya’s poor track record in prosecuting rogue officers.
In past rulings, Kenyan courts have declared blanket protest bans illegal and emphasized the constitutional right to peaceful assembly. These decisions now serve as a critical backdrop to the Judiciary’s renewed pledge. The courts are positioning themselves not only as arbiters of justice but also as protectors of civic freedoms in turbulent times.
As protests shake the nation and trust in enforcement erodes, the Judiciary’s vow is clear: justice must not only be done—it must be seen to be done.
