By Angela Kibara
Kenya’s Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has voiced profound concern and unequivocally condemned the excessive use of force, including the discharge of firearms, by police officers within the precincts of the Ruiru Law Courts.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, July 4th, 2025, involved the re-arrest of an accused individual who had previously been released on bond following a court ruling.
According to a press release issued by the JSC on July 5th, a team of police officers reportedly stormed the court premises to re-arrest the accused. During this operation, gunfire was heard within the court grounds, despite what the Commission described as the absence of any security threat or civil disorder.
The Judicial Service Commission, while acknowledging the constitutional mandate of the police to enforce the law and apprehend suspects, firmly stated that the deployment of firearms in a court environment is, “excessive, unjustified, and an affront to the authority and dignity of the Judiciary.”
The statement, signed by Hon. Winfridah B. Mokaya, CBS, the Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission, underscores the gravity with which the Commission views the incident.
“Courts are sacred spaces of constitutional adjudication. They are to be respected, protected and preserved as secure and impartial forums for the administration of justice,” the press release affirmed.
The JSC urged all stakeholders within the justice sector to desist from actions that might erode public confidence in the institutions tasked with administering justice.