The High Court in Nairobi has found former Police Inspector General Japhet Koome liable for his controversial remarks made on April 14, 2024.
During these remarks, Koome ordered law enforcement officers to respond with firmness and decisiveness to medics who were striking and picketing.
The Katiba Institute, a non-governmental organization, announced the ruling in a statement on Wednesday, emphasizing that Koome can be held criminally accountable for the actions of the officers under his command at the time.
“The High Court has granted our Judicial Review application, making Japhet Koome Nchebere personally responsible for his statement directing police to act firmly against striking doctors. This direction is unconstitutional and constitutes an abuse of power,” the statement read. The Institute also highlighted the need for Koome to be held accountable for his failure to investigate or discipline officers who used excessive force in violation of the Constitution.
Justice Jairus Ngaah acknowledged the urgency of the application and granted the request, stating, “Based on the reasons given in the certificate of urgency, I am satisfied that the application is urgent and it is so certified. I am also satisfied that upon cursory consideration of the applicants’ application, the applicants deserve leave to file a substantive motion for judicial review reliefs.”
This ruling marks a critical moment in holding public officials accountable for their actions and statements, particularly concerning the rights of workers to strike.
