Screengrab of the alleged re-arrest of DCP Kiambu youth leader Peter Kinyanjui outside the Ruiru Law Courts.The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has raised concern over what it termed as the excessive use of force by police during the re-arrest of an accused person at the Ruiru Law Courts on Friday.
In a statement, the JSC condemned the conduct of officers involved in the re-arrest of Peter Kinyanjui, also known as Kawanjiru, who had just been released on bond following a court ruling.
Shortly after the release, a group of officers entered the court premises and re-arrested Kinyanjui under unclear circumstances.
According to the JSC, gunshots were fired during the incident, despite no immediate signs of unrest or security threats within the court precincts.
In the statement by JCS Secretary Winfridah Mokaya, the Commission stated that it recognises and respects the constitutional mandate of the police to enforce the law and apprehend suspects.
It, however, described the use of firearms in a court environment as excessive, unjustified and an affront to the authority and dignity of the Judiciary.
“Courts are sacred spaces of constitutional adjudication,” the statement read.
“They are to be respected, protected, and preserved as secure and impartial forums for the administration of justice.”
The Commission has urged all actors within the justice sector to refrain from actions that undermine public confidence in the institutions charged with administering justice.
It emphasised the critical importance of preserving the sanctity of court premises at all costs.
In the incident in question, Kinyanjui, who is said to be under investigation in connection with the violence that occurred during the June 25 Gen Z protests, had just exited the courtroom when commotion broke out.
A video shared online appeared to show a group of armed officers outside the court demanding that the main entrance be opened.
Once inside, the officers rushed into the courtroom and grabbed Kinyanjui, prompting screams and resistance from relatives and supporters.
A brief scuffle broke out, forcing officers stationed outside to fire several shots into the air to disperse the crowd and secure the arrest.
The officers then bundled Kinyanjui into a waiting van and sped off from the scene.
