CJ Koome: Uphold protest rights without undermining public order

Koome urged the police and the public to uphold the law and protect the country's democratic fabric.

The CJ was speaking on Tuesday during the swearing-in of commissioners of the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) and a member of the National Heroes Council.

“In recent times, our country and our democratic fabric have come under strain through waves of public protests,” she said.

“These moments have reminded us of the delicate balance that must be maintained between the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and protests and the imperative of people-centered, professional policing.” 

Koome emphasised that while the right to peaceful protest is protected by the Constitution, it must be exercised without violence, vandalism, or destruction of property.

“Members of the public must exercise their right to protest peacefully, without carrying arms, and without engaging in acts of destruction, looting, or vandalism of public infrastructure such as government buildings and court infrastructure, or private businesses,” she said.

At the same time, she called on police officers to uphold human rights in the exercise of their duties.

“The police must respond with restraint, proportionality, and strict adherence to human rights standards, avoiding actions that could cause unnecessary harm or loss of life,” said Koome.

She added that it is important for officers to distinguish between peaceful protesters and criminal elements, and to ensure that any offenders are handled lawfully.

“It is also incumbent upon the police to distinguish between peaceful demonstrators and criminal elements—those who infiltrate protests to incite violence and loot—and to apprehend and process such individuals through the justice system.”

Koome said the National Police Service Commission plays a critical role in building a police force that is professional, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the people.

She described the commission as the “custodians and implementers of the Constitution’s vision for democratic policing.”

 Koome pledged the Judiciary’s support for the Commission’s mandate, stating that the justice sector will continue working with the police to uphold the rule of law and strengthen public trust.

The Judiciary, and indeed the entire justice sector, through the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ), stands ready to support your mission,” she said.

She urged the newly appointed officials to serve with dignity and courage, and to always act in the public interest.