‘No police officer is trained to abuse power,’ CJ Koome on reforming the Criminal Justice System

Chief Justice Martha Koome has urged the new Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome to ensure that the police service upholds the rule of law and professionalism.

CJ Koome who spoke after the swearing-in ceremony of IG Koome cited the rising cases of police officers infringing on the rights of Kenyans which has been deemed as an abuse of power.

“We have the best constitution in the world that tells us that the sovereign power of this country rests in the people and then people have given us power so that we serve them,” CJ Koome stated.

“I also urge you to champion the constitutional dream of democratic policing; the Kenyan dream for a police service that serves the people and upholds professionalism. I am happy you mentioned professionalism because no police officer is trained to abuse the power, abuse the rights of Kenyans and arm them.”

The Chief Justice lauded the new collaboration between the Judiciary and the police service which would see transformations in the Criminal Justice System (CJS) from the investigation docket up to the prosecution of cases in the court of law.

“It is such a collaborative approach that fosters coordination and cooperation amongst the investigative, prosecution and judicial bodies that will ensure our justice will operate optimally,” she said.

“Our hope is that you (IG) will lead the police service in participating robustly in the initiatives geared towards the reforms in the Criminal Justice sector. We are working very well under the national council in the administration of Justice at the headquarters level.”

At the same time, the Chief Justice commended the Nyumba Kumi Initiative for its role in aiding the communities to avert crimes and guiding the youth to get rid of social vices such as drug abuse.

“At the court level, we have a very robust court user committee that links up with the Nyumba Kumi so that no one is left behind. We are training the leaders there to take charge of the units to make sure our children are well guided and counselled towards meaningful engagement,” she said.