Chief Justice Martha Koome has condemned the attack on lawyers protesting against the disregard of court orders in Nakuru.
In her capacity as President of the Judicial Service Commission, the CJ said the rule of law is crucial in the functioning of democracy and called for a strict adherence to the Constitution.
"The Commission strongly condemns the attack on Nakuru-based lawyers who peacefully protested against the disregard of court orders on Thursday, February 15, 2024. We note with dismay that police officers stood on guard and watched as the lawyers were attacked," CJ Koome said in a statement on Friday.
The lawyers were protesting against continued disobedience to court orders in relation to the takeover of Nakuru War Memorial Hospital by the Nakuru County government.
"The JSC is especially disturbed by the events in Nakuru County where assailants have occupied the Nakuru War Memorial Hospital, defying court orders," Koome said.
The CJ said the Commission observed with concern the failure of law enforcement officers to ensure that the court orders were obeyed.
She said the JSC is constitutionally mandated to advise the government on the efficient, effective and transparent administration of justice.
"In light of this mandate, the JSC is alarmed by the frequent cases of disregard for the rule of law and the deployment of force and intimidation to interfere with the execution or observance of court orders," she added.
Koome said the ongoing threats, violent interference and failure by the police to restore order and assure security resulted in two Judges recusing themselves from hearing the case.
She said the move lowers the dignity of the court and affects the administration of justice.
Koome said it is a matter of concern to the JSC and a threat to the rule of law.
