CJ Koome’s Security Officers Were Recalled for Training – NPS Says

The National Police Service (NPS) has dismissed claims that security officers assigned to Chief Justice Martha Koome have been withdrawn.

In a brief statement to newsrooms on Thursday night, moments after Koome’s sentiments, Police Spokesperson Resila Onyango clarified that the officers had been recalled for training and not withdrawn.

According to the police boss, Koome’s security officers were recalled to attend promotional courses, and those who were recalled had already been replaced.

“Contrary to some media reports suggesting that the National Police Service has withdrawn the security detail of some judicial officials, the police service wishes to clarify that the officers have not been withdrawn rather the officers have been recalled,” read Onyango’s statement.

The statement further read, “The National Police Service reiterates its commitment to multi-agency collaboration and cooperation with the criminal justice system.”

The clarification followed Koome’s statement, in which she accused the executive arm of the government of reportedly withdrawing her security. 

In a letter to Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, CJ Koome termed the move as an act that undermines judicial independence.

According to the Chief Justice, the decision is not only an insult to the Judiciary’s independence but also poses a threat to the safety of judicial officers across the country.

She further stated that the withdrawal of her security weakened public trust in state institutions and set a perilous precedent, suggesting that key constitutional offices can be undermined through external pressure.

“By exposing the office to vulnerabilities through the withdrawal of security, the ability of the Judiciary to perform its constitutional mandate is gravely compromised,” Koome said.

“I therefore call upon the National Police Service and all relevant state actors to immediately and unconditionally restore the security detail of the Chief Justice. This step is not merely administrative but essential to reaffirming the Judiciary’s independence.”

Further Koome accused the Interior Ministry of allegedly reducing the number of officers assigned to the Judiciary Police Unit which was formed in 2021 to protect judicial officers.