Interior CS Murkomen downplay CJ Koome’s security withdrawal as a “small matter”
Even as the security withdrawal of the Chief Justice Martha Koome and scaling down of the Judiciary security detail continue to attract mixed reactions and condemnation, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary has accused the CJ of “going too public” and downplayed the issue as a “small matter.”
Speaking during the launch of the National Government Police Unit (NGAPU) in Kwale county yesterday that invokes memories of return of the old order of powerful chiefs, Murkomen said the concern raised by Koome was minor because the officers had been taken for training.
“Unfortunately, our Chief Justice went too public about this issue. I want to assure you that I have an excellent relationship with the Chief Justice unless she has an issue on her side. We want to assure the CJ that it was a small matter. It didn’t necessitate raising alarm all over the world that there is a scheme somewhere to deny the CJ security,” said the CS.
In a strongly worded protest letter, Koome had complained to Murkomen over the security detail withdrawal.
In a quick rejoinder, the National Police Service (NPS) through the former police Spokesperson DR. Reslina Onyango who has since been deployed to the Diplomatic Police Unit (DPU) discounted withdrawal claims saying it was a routine replacement to pave way for former officers attend promotional courses.
Yesterday, omn his part, Murkomen empathised with the CJ, narrating how a similar incident occurred to him when officers attached to him were sent for training.
The issue has attracted condemnation from various quarters including politicians and within the criminal justice system players.
Speaking at the SKM Command Center in Nairobi, Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni condemned the removal of Chief Justice Martha Koome’s security team, terming the move an attempt to capture the Judiciary and intimidate judges.
“The removal of the security officers from the CJ’s office indicates a person who is still bent on capturing all these institutions.” Kioni stated.
An in what indicated intensified feud between the Executive and the Judiciary, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA) castigated the government’s decision to withdraw Chief Justice Martha Koome’s security detail.
The legal bodies asserted that the move undermines judicial independence and sets a dangerous precedent for the country’s constitutional institutions.
In a press briefing in Nairobi yesterday, LSK President Faith Odhiambo expressed strong disapproval of the move, saying it infringes on the independence of the Judiciary.
She described it as an assault on the Judiciary’s autonomy.
“This decision is a direct attempt to coerce the Judiciary into becoming an appendage of the Executive, which is a clear violation of the Constitution…It is both unfortunate and unacceptable, and indicative of coordinated efforts to weaken the Judiciary Police Unit,” said Odhiambo.
Yesterday, CS Murkomen further said that although Koome is supposed to be designated six police officers, she has been given 32 officers.
He said she raised alarm over three of her officers, consisting of two officers and a driver, who went for training.
“For the benefit of the country, even after the three officers were sent for training, the CJ was still going to remain with about 29 officers from different parts.”
Murkomen claimed that the Inspector General was doing a favor to the officers, which led to a misunderstanding that could have been resolved by a phone call.
He called on Koome to collaborate and work as a team with the security officers, vowing to ensure the protection of all judges as per the law.
