JSC issues statement after uproar on cash bail, bond decisions on protesters
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has raised concern over public vilification and personal attacks directed at Judicial Officers.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has raised concern over public vilification and personal attacks directed at Judicial Officers.
In a statement on Thursday, July 17, JSC Secretary Winfridah Mokaya condemned attacks on Judicial officers, saying it undermines judicial independence.
Mokaya highlighted a growing pattern of backlash in response to bail and bond rulings issued by the Nanyuki and Kahawa Law Courts.
“The Commission expresses grave concern over the escalating trend of public vilification and unwarranted personal attacks directed at Judicial Officers in the discharge of their judicial functions. This pattern has recently been manifested in reaction to bail and bond decisions issued by the Nanyuki and Kahawa Law Courts.
“Such conduct misrepresents the Judiciary’s constitutional role, undermines judicial independence and corrodes public trust in the administration of justice — a cornerstone of our democratic society,” read part of the statement.
The JSC Secretary explained that bail and bond decisions are not arbitrary but based on established legal frameworks, including the Constitution, the Criminal Procedure Code, and the Judiciary’s Bail and Bond Policy Guidelines.
“These decisions are informed by the Constitution, the Criminal Procedure Code, and the Judiciary’s Bail and Bond Policy Guidelines. These instruments provide a structured legal framework and clearly articulated criteria to guide the exercise of judicial discretion, taking into account the specific facts and circumstances of each case,” she stated.
Mokaya also said parties aggrieved by bail, bond, or any other matter have an unfettered right to seek redress through appeals or reviews under the law.
Further, the Judiciary registrar assured judicial officers of their safety amid growing public criticism.
She noted that the Judiciary Police Unit (JPU) remains on hand to provide any security arrangements necessary to ensure their safety and the secure functioning of court stations.
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Additionally, Mokaya called on the public, civic leaders, and institutional stakeholders to respect the dignity of judicial institutions.
“Engagement with the Judiciary must be grounded in civility, constructive dialogue, and an unyielding respect for the rule of law. This is imperative not only for the administration of justice but for the preservation of constitutional order in the Republic,” Mokaya concluded.
This comes after 111 youth who were arrested in Laikipia County during protests were released on a Ksh50,000 cash bail each.
In Kahawa, 37 individuals who are facing terrorism-related charges were on Wednesday released on a cash bail of Ksh50,000 or an alternative bond of Ksh200,000 each.
Meanwhile, 50 protestors who were arraigned before the Thika Law Courts were released on a Ksh100,000 cash bail or an alternative bond of Ksh300,000 each.
The court’s decisions sparked an uproar on social media, with netizens criticizing the bail rulings as an attempt to suppress dissent.
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