‘Respect courts’ JSC condemns excessive police violence in rearresting Kawanjiru

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has strongly condemned what it terms as excessive use of force by police officers during the re-arrest of youth politician Peter Kinyanjui, alias Kawanjiru within the Ruiru Law Courts, saying the actions undermine the integrity and authority of the Judiciary.

JSC in a statement on Saturday expressed “deep concern” over the Friday incident, which occurred shortly after Kawanjiru was released on bond by a Ruiru court.

The Commission noted that while police are constitutionally mandated to enforce the law and apprehend suspects, their conduct within court premises must respect the sanctity of judicial institutions.

“The use of firearms in a court environment is excessive, unjustified and an affront to the authority and dignity of the Judiciary,” stated Secretary to the JSC Winfridah B. Mokaya.

“Courts are sacred spaces of constitutional adjudication. They are to be respected, protected and preserved as secure and impartial forums for the administration of justice.”

In the Friday incident, witnesses said officers firedmultiple shots into the air while re-arresting Kawanjiru just outside the courtroom, causing panic among those present.

The JSC warned that such acts risk eroding public confidence in the justice system, underscoring that the accused had been released on bond after a lawful court process.

JSC further pointed out that there was no need for violence since the accused did not pose any security threat.

“We urge all actors within the justice sector to refrain from acts which erode confidence in the institutions charged with the administration of justice,” the Commission stated.

“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 precincts, despite the absence of any security threat or civil disorder.”

Kawanjiru, a youth leader from the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) and ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, was first arrested in connection with the torching of Kiambu Law Courts during the Gen-Z-led protests on June 25, 2025.

His family attempted to block the rearrest, with his mother Beatrice Wanjiru and wife Catherine Wambui pleading for his release.

“Watu wa Limuru na watu wa huku wote walikuwa wamekataa waingie [...] alibebwa na serikali juu wote walikuwa hapo,” said Wanjiru.

According to family members, police fired live rounds into the air during a house raid earlier in the week to scatter neighbours who attempted to intervene.

Another DCP youth leader, Wanjiku Thiga, was also arrested during the same operation.

The twin arrests have been widely criticized by civil society and legal experts, who say the State is increasingly using heavy-handed tactics to silence political dissent.