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The Judiciary has raised concern over growing threats to the rule of law, particularly highlighting incidents of police brutality and violent disruptions during recent protests.
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In a statement issued Wednesday, Judiciary spokesperson Paul Ndemo extended condolences to the family of Albert Ojwang and wished a swift recovery to all those injured in the demonstrations.
“The recent events have deeply shaken the conscience of the nation,” said Ndemo. “We send our heartfelt condolences to the family of Albert Ojwang and hope for the speedy recovery of those harmed during the protests.”
The Judiciary condemned the use of excessive force by police and the infiltration of peaceful protests by violent actors, warning that such developments endanger public safety and citizens’ right to peaceful assembly.
Ndemo emphasized that the National Police Service (NPS) bears both legal and constitutional responsibility to bring to justice individuals involved in acts of violence, including their financiers and organizers.
He added that some related cases are already before the courts and reaffirmed the Judiciary’s dedication to delivering justice.
“Our courts remain steadfast in fulfilling their constitutional duty to uphold justice, including in matters of police misconduct and brutality,” he said.
The Judiciary stressed that all such cases would be addressed through fair and independent legal processes anchored in the rule of law.
Ndemo also explained the Judiciary’s general silence on issues that could end up in court, noting this restraint protects the neutrality of judicial proceedings. He said this was among the reasons the Office of the Judiciary Spokesperson was created—to communicate public concerns without compromising judicial impartiality.
The Judiciary’s statement followed an incident earlier Tuesday in which a police officer shot an unarmed street vendor during protests in Nairobi’s central business district.
Boniface Kariuki, who was selling masks outside Imenti House, was shot at close range by an anti-riot officer. Viral videos show him being confronted by two officers before one fires a shot, causing him to collapse with visible head injuries.
Though initially feared dead, Kariuki is currently receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital.
