Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a clarification on the security of Chief Justice Martha Koome after reports that her security was withdrawn.
The CS said that three of the police officers who were withdrawn from Koome’s security detail were indeed promoted and have consequently gone for further training.
“I saw the Chief Justice complain yesterday (Thursday, January 23, 2025) about the promotion of police officers who are attached to her and subsequent movements to go for training.
“This has also happened to me before, where I write and say, ‘Please promote this officer; they have worked with me for a long time’.
“When promoted, they are supposed to go for training. Unfortunately, our Chief Justice went public about this issue, and I want to ensure you that I have, or I think I have, an excellent relationship with the Chief Justice unless on her side she has an issue,” Murkomen clarified via a video shared on his X handle on Friday, January 24, 2025.
The former Sports CS also said he has no issue with the CJ and that the top judiciary officer is assured of maximum security.
“I have never had an issue with the Chief Justice, and the IG (Inspector General of Police) has never had an issue with the Chief Justice.
“For the comfort of the country, the Chief Justice is one of the public officers who are properly taken care of in terms of her security.
“I know the manual says that she is entitled to six police officers, but the Chief Justice has been given up to 32 police officers.
“Of the 32, only the ones who were promoted and called to go for training were three of them she was concerned about. Unfortunately, that misunderstanding, and ordinarily, the Chief Justice should have called the IG to say thank you for promoting my officers,” he added.
Misunderstanding
The former Elgeiyo-Marakwet County Senator emphasised there is no scheme being planned against Koome, who has been facing public criticism, especially on social media.
“We want to assure the Chief Justice that that was a small matter and should not have raised alarms. People now think that there is a scheme somewhere to deny the Chief Justice security.
“For the benefit of the country, even after the three officers were being sent for training, the Chief Justice was still going to remain with 29 officers.
“That misunderstanding should not require the kind of attention that was given yesterday by the media,” Murkomen stated.
He confirmed that he held a conversation with Koome over the issue and assured that the CJ will enjoy maximum security as required.
“The Chief Justice called me yesterday, and I told the Chief Justice that I was going to look into this issue and get the clarification from the IG. I need to notify the country that there is no scheme or reason or motive, but the officers are excited that they have been promoted.
“I want to tell the Chief Justice that you are safe, and the National Police Service can assure you that the Chief Justice and all the judges are guaranteed security as per the constitution,” he concluded.
