Chief Justice Martha Koome has made a plea to the National Police Service after the Saba Saba protests.
While presiding over the swearing-in ceremony of members of the National Heroes Council and Members of the National Police Service Commission on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, Koome urged the police to respond with restraint, proportionality, and strict adherence to human rights standards, avoiding actions that could cause unnecessary harm or loss of life.
“It is 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 the justice system,” said the Chief Justice.
CJ Martha Koome Urges Police to Exercise Restraint
At the same time, Koome noted that public protests have strained the country’s democracy, highlighting the need to balance the constitutional right to peaceful assembly with the duty of police to act professionally and put people first.
“On one hand, members of the public must exercise their right to protest peacefully, without carrying arms, and without engaging in acts of destruction, looting, or vandalism of public infrastructure such as government buildings and court infrastructure, or private businesses,” said the Chief Justice.
Also Read: Robert Alai Calls Out CJ Martha Koome in a Strongly-Worded Letter
The Chief Justice also reminded the newly appointed commissioners of their key role in advancing democratic policing as envisioned in the Constitution.
She urged them to help shape a police service that upholds professionalism, compassion, accountability, and public trust.
Number of Saba Saba Protests Casualties Revealed
Koome’s remarks come a day after the Saba Saba protests witnessed in several parts of the country.
According to data released by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) 10 deaths and 29 injuries across 17 counties were reported during the protests.
Additionally, 52 police officers were reported injured, and over 500 people were arrested during the protests, which turned violent in areas like Nairobi, Kitengela, and Nyandarua.
Also Read: Anti-Ruto MP Arrested as Saba Saba Deaths Rise
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen praised the National Police Service for their professionalism and restraint. He noted that their actions led to fewer incidents of violence, looting, and property destruction compared to the protests on June 25.
“Thanks to their efforts and other officers across the country, the incidents of violence, looting, and destruction of property were markedly reduced today compared to last week,” Murkomen stated.
He also defended the decision to restrict access to Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) with roadblocks, acknowledging the inconvenience caused but stressing it was necessary to protect lives and property.
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