JSC protests violent arrest of Gachagua ally in Ruiru court compound
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
What you need to know:
- The Judicial Service Commission noted that courts remains sacred places and ought to be respected.
- A similar situation was reported at Kiambu Police Station where detectives tried to arrest another DCP leader.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has condemned the violent arrest of an activist at the precincts of Ruiru Law Courts in Kiambu shortly after being released on a cash bail.
JSC, a body that seeks to promote and facilitate the independence and accountability of the Judiciary in Kenya, said it is disheartening to see police officers using unjustified force on an accused despite the absence of any security threat or civil disorder.
JSC’s statement is in reference to an incident that happened on Friday when Peter Kinyajui alias Kwanjiru, a Democracy For the Citizens Party (DCP) youth leader in Kiambu was rearrested by police officers from Anti-Terrorism Police Unit a few minutes after being released on a cash bail.
DCP is headed by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, now a sworn political enemy of his former boss President William Ruto. Police had alleged his involvement in organising the protests that rocked the several parts of the country on June 25.
''The Judicial Service Commission 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 (July 4). The facts indicate that the accused had been released on bond following a court ruling when 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 premises, despite the absence of any security threat of civil disorder,'' the JSC said in a statement on Saturday
The Judicial Service Commission noted that courts remains sacred places and ought to be respected and should remain impartial forums for the administration of justice.
''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,’’ JSC said.
Earlier, a similar situation was reported at Kiambu Police Station where police clashed with locals as detectives tried to arrest another DCP leader.
Wanjiku Thiga had been released on a bond of Sh50,000 over her alleged role on June 25 protests.