By Grace Gilo
The Judiciary has extended its condolences to the family of Albert Ojwang and wishes a swift and complete recovery for those injured during recent protests.
In a statement issued by Hon. Paul Ndemo, the Judiciary Spokesperson, the Judiciary expressed concern over the increasing incidents of unjustified police brutality and the alarming trend of peaceful protests being infiltrated by individuals who disrupt gatherings and endanger the lives of protestors.
“The National Police Service bears a constitutional and legal duty to identify, apprehend, and prosecute such individuals, as well as those who sponsor or orchestrate these acts of violence,” read the statement in part.
As some of these matters are now before the courts, the Judiciary assured the nation that the courts remain committed to their constitutional mandate to uphold justice, including in cases relating to police brutality and other forms of misconduct.
“We are committed to ensuring that these matters are processed through the justice system in a timely, impartial, and independent manner through processes anchored in the rule of law,” assured the spokesperson.
Emphasizing the importance of maintaining the impartiality and independence of judicial processes, the spokesperson noted that it is crucial for the public to understand that judges and Chief Justices worldwide are restricted from commenting on matters that may become subjects of court proceedings.
“Indeed, this is one of the reasons that informed the establishment of the Office of the Spokesperson for the Judiciary to ensure that a none judicial officer can address public concerns without breaching the bar on judicial officers and judges from commenting on issues that are likely to be subject of judicial proceedings,” the Judiciary spokesperson reiterated.