Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has responded to concerns over the recent recall of police officers from the Judiciary Police Unit. He explained that the officers were either sent for training after receiving promotions or were transferred to other stations as part of normal procedures. According to Kanja, some officers have been reassigned to the Chief Justice's office while those who left are preparing to begin their promotional courses.

Kanja's remarks came shortly after Chief Justice Martha Koome accused the government, through the Ministry of Interior, of withdrawing her security detail. She claimed that poor coordination led to the officers assigned to her leaving before replacements arrived, creating a security gap. However, Judiciary staff members said their inquiries about the changes were not taken seriously.


In her letter to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Police IG Kanja, Koome condemned the move, calling it an attack on both the Judiciary and the office of the Chief Justice. She expressed deep concern, stating that the withdrawal of her security not only undermines judicial independence but also poses a threat to the safety of judicial officers nationwide.

Did you read this?

  1. Kalonzo Condemns Gov't Decision To Withdraw CJ Koome's Security
  2. I'll Not Resign - CJ Martha Koome Tells Off Critics
  3. Case Filed To Block CJ Koome From Swearing In New DP

Koome emphasized that the security for her office was not a personal privilege but a vital safeguard for the Judiciary’s independence, ensuring that judicial officers, processes, and premises are protected from potential threats that could disrupt justice. She argued that the move violated the principle of separation of powers, a cornerstone of democracy that ensures the Judiciary can act impartially and hold other government branches accountable without external influence.


Additionally, Koome pointed out that the Interior Ministry had also reduced the number of officers assigned to the Judiciary Police Unit, a specialized unit formed in 2021 to provide security for judicial officers. She expressed grave concern over the diminished capacity of this unit, warning that the reduction of officers not only heightened security risks but also jeopardized the safety of judicial personnel and the effectiveness of the entire judicial system.