Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has termed the alleged withdrawal of Chief Justice Martha Koome’s security as unacceptable, calling for its immediate reinstatement. Kalonzo expressed concern over the potential impact of such actions on the judiciary’s performance and independence.
“The withdrawal of the security assigned to protect the Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya is unacceptable and should be restored with immediate effect,” Kalonzo said in a statement.
This reaction comes after Chief Justice Koome raised alarm over the alleged withdrawal of her security detail in a protest letter to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen. In her letter, Koome highlighted vulnerabilities posed by the withdrawal, stating that it compromises the judiciary’s ability to perform its constitutional mandate effectively.
“The withdrawal of this security detail is an egregious affront to the principle of separation of powers. It destabilizes the delicate balance upon which democratic governance is founded, where each arm of government operates independently while respecting the autonomy of others. Such an action not only weakens public trust in state institutions but also sets a perilous precedent, suggesting that key constitutional offices can be undermined through external pressure or retaliation,” Koome stated.
The Chief Justice called for the National Police Service to restore her security, emphasizing the need to protect judicial independence as a cornerstone of Kenya’s democratic governance.
However, the National Police Service (NPS), through outgoing spokesperson Resila Onyango, denied the claims, clarifying that the officers assigned to Koome had not been withdrawn but were temporarily recalled for promotional training. Onyango assured that replacement officers had been assigned to fill the gap during the training period.
“The officers have been recalled to attend their promotional courses. In the meantime, they have been replaced by other officers for the period they will be on training. The National Police Service reiterates its commitment to multi-agency collaboration and cooperation within the criminal justice system of Kenya,” Onyango stated.
Despite the NPS’s clarification, Koome’s protest highlights concerns about the judiciary’s independence and the potential destabilization of Kenya’s governance framework. Kalonzo’s remarks underscore the need for enhanced cooperation between state organs to maintain public trust and the stability of democratic institutions.
The controversy has sparked a broader discussion on the protection of constitutional offices and the implications of security decisions on the functioning of independent state institutions.
