Martha Koome condemns vandalism and calls for balanced and lawful protest policing
Chief Justice Martha Koome has called for a careful balance between protecting the constitutional right to peaceful protests and upholding law and order through professional policing.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of new commissioners of the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) and a member of the National Heroes Council on July 8, 2025, Koome underscored the need for both citizens and police to exercise restraint and respect the law.
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“You are coming into office at a time when our country and our democratic fabric have come under strain through waves of public protests,” Koome said, addressing the new appointees.
“These moments have reminded us of the delicate balance that must be maintained between constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and protests and the imperative of people-centred, professional policing.”
Koome emphasised that while Kenyans have a right to protest peacefully, this must be exercised responsibly—without arms and without engaging in acts of destruction, looting, or vandalism.
“It is very painful for even a citizen to lose their property, which they have worked hard to put together,” she remarked, condemning the recent damage to public and private infrastructure witnessed during demonstrations.
Police restraint
At the same time, she called on the police to respond to protests with “restraint, proportionality, and strict adherence to human rights standards,” cautioning against excessive use of force.
“It is also incumbent upon the police to distinguish between peaceful demonstrators and criminal elements—those who infiltrate protests to incite violence and loot—and to apprehend and process such individuals through our justice system,” she added.
The Chief Justice reminded the newly sworn-in commissioners that they now serve as custodians of the Constitution’s vision for a police service that is humane, professional, ethical, and accountable. “Your role in shaping a responsive, accountable, and rights-based policing culture is critical. Your work must always be guided by the highest principles of integrity, impartiality, transparency, and fidelity to the Constitution,” she stated.
She also assured the NPSC of support from the judiciary through the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ), emphasising the need for strong coordination within the justice sector to uphold public confidence and safeguard citizens’ rights and safety.
Turning to the National Heroes Council, Koome congratulated Abdullahi Nur Sheikh Kassim and affirmed the council’s responsibility to preserve national memory by honoring individuals who have contributed meaningfully to the country. She encouraged the council to recognise heroes while they are still alive and to promote unsung heroes whose everyday acts uplift communities.
In her final remarks, Koome urged all the appointees to carry out their duties with “dignity, courage, humility, and excellence,” reminding them that the oaths they had taken were solemn commitments to serve with integrity and in the public interest.
The event took place against the backdrop of rising tensions in the country, following widespread protests over economic and political grievances, during which questions have been raised about both police conduct and protester behavior.
