The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has strongly condemned what it terms a growing trend of public vilification and personal attacks against judges, especially in relation to recent bail and bond decisions.
In a statement released Thursday by JSC Secretary Winfridah Mokaya, the commission voiced deep concern over reactions to rulings issued by the Nanyuki and Kahawa Law Courts.
In Nanyuki, 111 individuals arrested during the July 7 Saba Saba protests in Laikipia County were each granted a cash bail of Ksh.50,000 after being charged with malicious damage to property. Reports indicate some were arrested on the eve of the demonstrations.
Meanwhile, in Kahawa, 37 youths charged with terrorism-related offences linked to the June 25 and July 7 protests were released on Wednesday, each on a Ksh.50,000 cash bail or an alternative bond of Ksh.200,000.
The terrorism charges have sparked criticism, with former Chief Justice David Maraga among those questioning the move, describing it as an attempt to stifle dissent.
On social media, some users have gone as far as calling for the exposure of personal information and contacts of magistrates, judges, and prosecutors involved in the cases, labeling the charges as “trumped-up” and “baseless.”
Mokaya warned that such actions threaten judicial independence and risk eroding public confidence in the justice system.
“These rulings are based on the Constitution, the Criminal Procedure Code, and the Judiciary’s bail and bond policy guidelines,” she stated, emphasizing that judicial officers do not act on personal whims.
The commission reminded the public that there are legal avenues such as appeals and reviews for those dissatisfied with court decisions, and that personal attacks are not the answer.
Mokaya further assured that the Judiciary Police Unit has provided necessary security measures for judicial officers.
“The commission remains firmly committed to upholding and protecting the decisional independence of all judges and judicial officers,” she affirmed.
