CJ Koome Condemns Govt Over Abductions, Urges Police to Respect Rule of Law

Chief Justice Martha Koome has joined the opposition and religious leaders in condemning the increasing cases of abduction in the country.

In a statement on Thursday, December 26, CJ Koome noted that Kenya is a constitutional democracy where the rule of law stands as a foundational value and guiding principle of governance.

According to Koome, there is no constitutional provision for such forced disappearances, and such incidents contravene the rights and freedoms of Kenyans.

Criticising the government, the Chief Justice called on security agencies and other relevant entities to adhere to the law to safeguard fundamental rights and freedoms.

“The Judiciary has taken note of recent reports of resurfaced abductions. Kenya is a constitutional democracy, where the rule of law stands as a foundational value and guiding principle of our governance,” CJ Koome commented.

“Abductions have no place in law and indeed are a direct threat to the rights of citizens. In light of these reports, we strongly urge security agencies and all connected entities to adhere to the law,” she added.

Koome’s comments follow hours after the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja dismissed allegations that the National Police Service (NPS) was involved in the abduction of youthful Kenyans.

According to IG Kanja, no police station in the country had been established to hold any individuals allegedly abducted by police officers.

The police boss revealed that the procedure, as outlined in the Service Standing Orders, requires all arrests made by the police to be recorded in the Occurrence Book for subsequent arraignment in a court of law.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the National Police Service is not involved in any abduction, and there is no police station in the country that is holding the reported abductees,” IG Kanja stated.

According to him, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and other independent bodies had already commenced investigations into the matter. 

IG Kanja further appealed to members of the public with relevant information about any missing person to report the matter to the nearest police station.