By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
Chief Justice Martha Koome has officially opened the Inaugural High Court Human Rights Summit that will reflect on Kenya’s Transformative Jurisprudence and Contemporary Challenges
According to the Chief Justice, the Summit provides an opportunity for the High Court and stakeholders to contemplate, engage in discussions, and exchange perspectives on tackling matters pertinent to Kenya’s current human rights situation.
“The promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya in 2010 marked a profound and transformative moment in our nation’s history – a moment when we, as a people, resolved to enshrine the dignity, rights, and freedoms of every individual at the core of our governance framework,” stated the Chief Justice.
“Over the past 14 years, the High Court has firmly established itself as the custodian of the Bill of Rights, interpreting and applying the Constitution in ways that ensure its transformative promises are realized for all Kenyans,” she added.
Taking to her X platform she said that one of the High Court’s significant achievements is its defense of the right to peaceful assembly and protest.
She highlighted that at a time when courts in other jurisdictions may have turned a blind eye or sanctioned heavy-handed approaches, the High Court of Kenya courageously intervened to chart a delicate balance between law enforcement and the constitutional right to peaceful protests.
“The Court’s decisions during the mass protests witnessed in the country in July and August of this year are a case in point. By holding law enforcement accountable and upholding citizens’ rights, the High Court showcased a judicial system that is not only robust but also conscious of its role as a defender of democracy and fundamental freedoms,” the CJ wrote on X.
“The High Court’s proactive application of the right to habeas corpus is another commendable example. In cases involving enforced disappearances and extrajudicial actions, the Court has not hesitated to issue orders compelling law enforcement agencies to produce individuals unlawfully detained. This commitment breathes life into constitutional guarantees and sends a strong message against impunity,” the CJ stated.
She further said that the High Court has also made significant strides in ensuring the right to adequate housing is not violated.