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Chief Justice Martha Koome Calls for Professional Policing Amid Protests

Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya, Martha Koome.

In the wake of recent nationwide protests, Chief Justice Martha Koome has issued a powerful reminder of the need to uphold both the Constitution and human dignity. As Kenyans take to the streets to voice their frustrations and demands, the Chief Justice emphasized the importance of maintaining a delicate balance between the right to peaceful assembly and the duty of the police to protect lives and property.

“These events have served as a reminder of the delicate balance between the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and the urgent need for people centered, professional policing, Martha Koome said, reflecting on the ongoing public demonstrations across the country.

Over the past few weeks, Kenya has witnessed unprecedented civic action, particularly by the youth. While many have praised the peaceful nature of the protests, there have also been serious concerns over how law enforcement has responded including reports of excessive force, arbitrary arrests, and, tragically, loss of life.

The Chief Justice’s remarks come at a critical time, as national conversations around justice, accountability, and the role of state institutions gain momentum. Her statement underscores a constitutional principle: that every Kenyan has the right to express themselves, to gather, and to demand change but that this must be protected, not punished, by the systems of governance.

Human rights organizations, religious leaders, and civil society groups have echoed her sentiments, urging police to adopt de-escalation tactics and respect the rule of law. At the same time, they are calling on protest organizers and participants to maintain peace and avoid destruction or incitement.

Chief Justice Martha Koome’s voice adds legal and moral weight to the growing calls for reform in how the state handles civic dissent. Her message is not just a call to law enforcement, but to the entire justice system to stand firm in defending the freedoms enshrined in Kenya’s Constitution.

As the country moves forward, the eyes of the nation and the world remain fixed on how Kenya reconciles the right to protest with the responsibility to protect. The path ahead will require wisdom, restraint, and above all, respect for the rule of law.

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Reporting by: Kelvin Ng’ang’a. Thika, Kenya – July 8, 2025

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