CJ Koome clarifies Kikuyu Court arson remarks

Chief Justice Martha Koome has clarified her earlier remarks regarding the burning of the Kikuyu Law Court and nearby government offices, saying they were based solely on preliminary security briefings and specific to the June 25, 2025, incident.

In a statement issued amid ongoing public debate and a reference by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions on July 21, 2025, Koome stressed that her comments were never intended to generalise about protesters or unrelated events.

“My remarks when I visited the site were made in direct response to the attack on the Kikuyu Law Court and reflected the security briefing received at the time,” she said.

The Chief Justice had visited the site on June 26, a day after the attack, and issued a public statement, now available on the Judiciary’s official X account, condemning the destruction.

According to the briefings she received then, the violence was allegedly carried out by individuals brought in from outside Kikuyu, apparently targeting the court and adjacent government offices.

Koome further distanced her comments from any broader interpretation linking them to other protests or suspects.

The clarification follows heightened public concern, particularly after the ODPP cited her remarks in cases pursued under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

She underscored that her statement was not meant to influence prosecutorial decisions or ongoing legal processes.

“I respect the independence of investigative and prosecutorial institutions and reiterate the Judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and fair trial rights,” Koome said.

She also reassured Kenyans of the Judiciary’s unwavering dedication to serving citizens while adhering to the Constitution.

“I wish to reassure all Kenyans that the Judiciary is fully committed to the Constitution and the rule of law,” she added.

Koome urged the public to understand the context of her earlier statement, reiterating that the Judiciary remains guided by principles of neutrality, justice, and fidelity to the Constitution