Destruction of court buildings a blow to delivery of justice, CJ Koome says

Chief Justice Martha Koome has condemned the destruction of three court buildings in Nairobi, Kiambu and Nyandarua counties during yesterday’s protests.

Koome, who visited the Kikuyu law courts which was completely vandalised, described the incidents as an affront to the Constitution and the rule of law, adding they severely compromise the Judiciary’s ability to deliver justice, disrupt the administration of justice for ordinary Kenyans and undermine its ongoing efforts to expand access to justice, especially for the marginalised and vulnerable.

“Courts are sacred places in a constitutional democracy as they are neutral grounds where disputes are resolved and rights upheld. To target them is to erode the very foundation of our democracy,” she said in a statement.

Apart from the Kikuyu law courts, the newly established Dagorreti Law Courts was also vandalised while the Ol Kalou  Law Courts building currently used for storage of exhibits was broken into and damaged.

Koome noted that constructing law courts in a painstaking process as it takes years of planning, resource mobilisation and negotiation within a severely constrained budget.

“The destruction of these facilities rolls back hard-won gains in access to justice, especially for marginalised communities who rely on these courts for protection and redress,” she added.

Koome said the Judiciary will continue to work closely with the relevant security agencies to safeguard court infrastructure and protect the safety and well-being of all judicial personnel, adding they remain firmly committed to the delivery of justice and upholding the Constitution even in these difficult times.

“To the communities and court users in the affected areas, I assure you that we are working tirelessly to restore services and ensure continued access to justice without interruption. To our Judiciary personnel who were affected by these attacks and who continue to work under very difficult circumstances to ensure that the wheels of justice continue unabated, I commend your commitment to the rule of law and your unwavering service to the people of Kenya, even in the face of adversity,” she added.

The CJ said the Judiciary stands as a pillar of justice and constitutional order, and the staff’s role in upholding these principles is invaluable.

At the same time, Koome said that while Article 37 of the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to assemble, demonstrate and picket, this right must be exercised peacefully and without arms.

“It does not extend to acts that cause harm, destroy property, or endanger the lives of others. Lawful protest must always be distinguished from acts of violence and criminality,” she added.

The CJ extended her heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed in the protests and quick recovery to those who were injured.

She also expressed her sympathies to those whose businesses and livelihoods were destroyed, looted and vandalised.