Chief Justice Martha Koome has issued a public statement clarifying her earlier remarks regarding the destruction of the Kikuyu Law Courts and adjacent government offices, which were set ablaze on June 25, 2025.
The clarification comes amid growing public discourse and media commentary, including a recent reference by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
Clarification by Martha Koome
In her statement, the CJ reaffirmed that her initial comments, made during a site visit on June 26, 2025, were based on preliminary security briefings.
CJ Koome has stated that the attack was not carried out by local residents or peaceful protestors, but by individuals brought in from outside Kikuyu with the intent to destroy public property.
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This clarification comes in light of public discourse and a 21st July 2025 statement by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which referenced her comments in connection with cases under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
“They were specific to that incident and not meant to apply to any other protests, events, individuals, or locations,” Koome stated.
On Independence of Institutions, CJ Koome emphasized that:
- The ODPP is independent (Article 157(10) of the Constitution).
- The National Police Service operates independently under the Inspector General (Article 245(2)(b)).
- Public statements, including those by the CJ, do not influence prosecution or investigation decisions.
NCAJ Meeting
To further clarify the matter, CJ Koome reported the outcomes of the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) meeting held on 15th July 2025.
NCAJ agreed that their emphasis was on protecting the vulnerable, upholding human dignity, and reinforcing public confidence in the justice system.
The institution pledged to focus on coordinated law enforcement and accountability within constitutional bounds.
“The Council calls for enhanced cooperation between the Judiciary, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the National Police Service, IPOA, Civil Society Organisations, and other oversight bodies to ensure law enforcement is effective, accountable, and aligned with constitutional mandates,” CJ Koome stated.
NCAJ also called for a reinforcement that a safe civic space is essential to a functioning constitutional democracy.
Finally, CJ Koome reassured Kenyans that the Judiciary is fully committed to the Constitution and the rule of law.
“Everyone brought before the courts, regardless of the charge, will be treated fairly and given a full and fair hearing as required by the Constitution and the law.”
Kikuyu Law Courts Attack
On 25th June 2025, the Kikuyu Law Court and nearby government offices were destroyed and set ablaze.
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The attack resulted in extensive damage to public infrastructure and justice service facilities.
On 26th June 2025, Chief Justice Martha Koome visited the site, the briefings indicating that the attack was not carried out by local residents or peaceful protestors.
Instead, it was perpetrated by individuals brought in from outside Kikuyu, with a clear and deliberate aim to destroy the court and public property.
The incident was described as “organised and deliberate.”
The DCI has meanwhile said they will continue with investigations into the Kikuyu Court attack.
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