JSC raises concerns over court orders defiance

Chief Justice ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001489465/activist-wants-cj-martha-koome-out-over-appointment-of-tax-tribunal"> Martha Koome

CJ Koome said that the Commission is concerned about the deployment of force and intimidation to interfere with the execution and observance of court orders.

She cited an incident where Nakuru-based lawyers took to the street to protest the non-compliance of court orders regarding ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/rift-valley/article/2001489884/war-memorial-hospitals-land-dispute-cements-nakurus-place-as-hotbed-of-politics">Nakuru War Memorial Hospital<.

“The Commission observed with concern the failure by law enforcement officers in ensuring that court orders are obeyed,” said CJ Koome.

She expressed frustration over the decision by two judges to recuse themselves saying it was a result of threats and failure of the police to restore order and ensure security.

“The fact that the judges have had to recuse themselves from handling the matter due to constant intimidation lowers the dignity of the court and affects the administration of justice,” she said.

Koome also condemned the attack on lawyers who were protesting the defiance, saying they were dismayed by the ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/ktnnews/ktn-leo/video/2000227789/nakuru-war-memorial-hospital-woes-continue-as-goons-overpower-police">inaction of police officers< who stood on guard and watched as they were attacked.

“The Commission has noted that the rule of law is crucial in a functioning democracy and calls for strict adherence to the Constitution.”