Written By Faith Mwende
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has issued a strong statement condemning the excessive use of force during an incident that occurred at the Ruiru Law Courts on Friday, 4th July 2025.
In the statement released to the public, the JSC expressed deep concern and unequivocal condemnation of what it described as an excessive use of force by police officers during the re-arrest of an accused person within the court precincts.
According to the Commission, the facts indicate that the accused had been released on bond following a court ruling. Shortly thereafter, a team of police officers stormed the court premises to re-arrest the accused. During this action, gunfire was discharged within the court precincts, despite there being no security threat or civil disorder present at the time.
“The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) registers its deep concern and unequivocal condemnation on the excessive use of force witnessed during the re-arrest of an accused person within the precincts of the Ruiru Law Courts on Friday 4th July 2025,” the statement read.
The Commission acknowledged the constitutional mandate of the police to enforce the law and apprehend suspects. However, it took issue with the manner in which the re-arrest was conducted, particularly the discharge of firearms within the court environment.
“While the Commission recognises and respects the constitutional mandate of the police to enforce the law and apprehend suspects, the use of firearms in a court environment is excessive, unjustified and an affront to the authority and dignity of the Judiciary,” the JSC said.
In its statement, the Commission went on to stress the importance of respecting court premises as essential spaces in the administration of justice. It described courts as sacred, secure, and impartial forums for constitutional adjudication.
“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 Commission emphasized.
The statement concluded with a strong call to all actors within the justice sector to uphold the integrity of judicial institutions and avoid actions that might undermine public confidence in the justice system.
“We therefore urge all actors within the justice sector to refrain from acts which erode confidence in the institutions charged with the administration of justice. The sanctity of the court must be preserved at all costs,” the statement concluded.
The statement was signed by Hon. Winfridah B. Mokaya, CBS, the Secretary to the Judicial Service Commission.
