IG Kanja Reveals Why CJ Koome’s Security Was Recalled
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has responded to concerns about the recent recall of police officers from the Judiciary Police Unit.
Kanja added that the officers were either sent to training after being promoted or were transferred to other stations.
The IG reports that other officials have been reassigned to the Chief Justice while those who have left prepare to begin their promotional courses.
Kanja spoke hours after Chief Justice Martha Koome accused the government, via the Ministry of Interior, of withdrawing her security detail.
He stated that due to inadequate coordination, the police assigned to the Chief Justice left before the new ones arrived, resulting in the deployment gap.
However, Judiciary employees claim that their inquiries prior to the announcement of the reforms were disregarded casually.
In a statement, Koome branded the IG’s move as an attack on the judiciary and the Chief Justice’s office.
Koome made the claim in a letter sent on Thursday to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja, expressing deep worry about the situation.
The Chief Justice Martha Koome writes a protest letter to Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector of Police Douglas Kanja protesting the withdrawal of her security.
— Mwango Capital (@MwangoCapital) January 23, 2025
Strange times. pic.twitter.com/uTZaSyInR7
According to Koome, the judgment not only undermines the independence of the judiciary but also jeopardizes the safety of judicial personnel across the country.
“I express profound concern over the withdrawal of security for the Chief Justice—an act that undermines judicial independence, threatens institutional integrity and endangers democratic progress,” Koome said in the letter seen by Citizen Digital.
“State organs are entrusted with the solemn duty of serving the public using resources provided by taxpayers.
“This obligation demands that no institution or office holder be subjected to intimidation, coercion, or undue interference by another arm of government.”
Furthermore, Koome stated that protection for her office was a structural need that ensured the Judiciary functioned autonomously and fearlessly.
“It (security) serves as an institutional safeguard to protect judicial officers, premises, and processes from any threats that could impair the administration of justice,” said Koome.
“The withdrawal of this security detail is an egregious affront to the principle of separation of powers.”
“Judicial independence is the cornerstone of a functional democracy,” added the Chief Justice.
“It ensures that the Judiciary can act impartially, apply the law equitably, and hold other arms of government accountable without succumbing to external influence.”
Additionally, Koome noted that the Interior Ministry has cut the number of policemen assigned to the Judiciary Police Unit.
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The unit includes a specialist section of the National Police Service (NPS) established in 2021 to offer security and protection to judicial officers.
“The Judiciary is gravely concerned about the weakening of the Judiciary Police Unit, a critical component of judicial security,” she said.
“Rather than bong bolstered to meet growing demands, its capacity has been diminished by the withdrawal of a significant number of officers.”
“This not only exacerbates existing vulnerabilities but also jeopardizes the safety of judicial personnel and spaces across the country, thereby undermining the entire judicial system’s operational efficacy.”
IG Kanja Reveals Why CJ Koome’s Security Was Recalled
