Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has reacted to the alleged withdrawal of Chief Justice Martha Koome’s security, saying that it is unacceptable.
Kalonzo has said the move to withdraw Koome's security will hamper the performance of the judiciary, even as he called for immediate reinstatement.
“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.
Kalonzo’s remarks come hours after Koome in a protests letter to Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen expressed concerns over the withdrawal of her security detail.
The Chief Justice’s letter described the move as a threat to judicial independence.
Koome further warned that the withdrawal of security could destabilise the balance of power within the country’s governance framework.
The CJ’s office, the letter adds, is now exposed to vulnerabilities, compromising its ability to perform its constitutional mandate.
"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," the letter reads in part.
Koome called on the National Police Service to restore her security detail, noting that it is crucial for reaffirming the Judiciary's independence.
The National Police Service, through outgoing Spokesperson Resila Onyango, however, denied the claims, saying the CJ’s security had not been withdrawn.
The Service said “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“In the meantime, they have been replaced by other officers for the period they will be on training.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 said.
