CJ Koome Speaks After The ODPP Quotes Her Terrorism Charges’ Theory
Chief Justice Martha Koome has distanced herself from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions’ (ODPP) claim that her comments influenced the charge of demonstrators with terrorism.
In a press release on Wednesday, CJ Koome reiterated her statement that the protesters who set fire to the Kikuyu Law Courts committed a terrorist act in response to that incident.
However, they were not intended to apply to any other protests, events, people, or places.
As a result, she asserted that the ODPP was an autonomous institution whose decisions on preferred revisions could not be influenced by an outside party.
Nonetheless, the ODPP used her statements to illustrate the Prevention of Terrorism Act on Monday.
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“It is important to emphasise that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is fully independent, as guaranteed by Article 157(10) of the Constitution,” she stated.
“This means that the DPP cannot be directed or influenced by any person or authority.”
She added: “This independence is further protected by internal guidelines, such as the Decision to Charge Guidelines.”
In addition to the ODPP, the Chief Justice stated that the National Police Service (NPS) is an independent entity, especially during investigations.
“Therefore, all decisions to investigate or prosecute must be based on credible evidence and the law. They are not influenced by public statements made by any individual, including the Chief Justice,” she insisted.
She also mentioned the results of a recent National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) conference, which brought together many justice organizations.
They had determined, among other things, to strengthen cooperation to guarantee that law enforcement is effective, accountable, and in line with constitutional responsibilities.
The entities involved were the judiciary, the ODPP, the NPS, the Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA), civil society organizations, and other oversight groups.
They also allegedly resolved to continue following their constitutional mission to serve all Kenyans without fear or favour.
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Koome’s reaction comes only days after the ODPP attempted to explain the Prevention of Terrorism Act in response to public concern about the increase in terrorist charges filed against protestors from the June 25 and July 7 demonstrations.
PRESS STATEMENT ON CHARGES UNDER THE PREVENTION OF TERRORISM ACT.#HakiNaUsawa pic.twitter.com/AcfIo2N91o
— Office of The Director Of Public Prosecutions (@ODPP_KE) July 21, 2025
The office claimed that the acts committed by the protesters charged with terrorism were premeditated and intended to instill fear and cripple government operations, hence the terrorism charges.
It also quoted Koome’s words during his visit to the burnt Kikuyu Law Courts on June 26.
She stated that the destruction was carried out not by local inhabitants or peaceful protestors, but by foreigners who were purposefully torching the buildings in order to terrorize the town.
The 37 arrested in connection with the arson were charged with terrorism, opening the door for dozens more to face the charge in subsequent court hearings.
CJ Koome Speaks After The ODPP Quotes Her Terrorism Charges’ Theory
