The Judiciary has spoken out against the growing use of excessive force by police during recent protests, expressing concern over threats to the rule of law and calling for accountability.

The statement comes a day after Boniface Kariuki, a young hawker, was shot by a police officer during a protest in Nairobi’s CBD, sparking nationwide outrage.

In a message delivered on Wednesday, Judiciary spokesperson Paul Ndemo extended condolences to the family of Albert Ojwang and expressed sympathy to those injured in the demonstrations.

“The events of the past weeks have tested the conscience of our nation. The Judiciary extends its deepest condolences to the family of Albert Ojwang,” said Ndemo.

“We also wish a quick and full recovery to those who have been injured during recent protests.”

Ndemo raised concern about the use of unjustified force by police and the infiltration of peaceful demonstrations by violent individuals, warning that these actions compromise public safety and violate the right to peaceful assembly.

He said the National Police Service has a constitutional duty to investigate and prosecute all perpetrators of violence, including those behind the planning or financing of such acts.

While acknowledging that some of the related cases are already before the courts, the Judiciary promised to ensure justice is delivered.

“The courts remain committed to their constitutional mandate to uphold justice, including in cases relating to police brutality and other forms of misconduct,” said Ndemo.

He assured that these matters would be addressed through independent, impartial processes grounded in the rule of law.

Ndemo also explained the Judiciary’s silence on ongoing cases, noting that judges, including the Chief Justice, refrain from making public comments to safeguard judicial independence.

“This is to protect the impartiality and independence of judicial processes,” he said.

“Indeed, this is one of the reasons that informed the establishment of the Office of the Spokesperson for the Judiciary—to ensure that a non-judicial officer can address public concerns without breaching the bar on judicial officers and judges from commenting on issues that are likely to be subject to judicial proceedings.”

The Judiciary's remarks follow public outrage after a video circulated showing Boniface Kariuki being shot at point-blank range by an anti-riot officer outside Imenti House.

He had been selling masks to demonstrators protesting the killing of Ojwang’.

After falling to the ground with blood visibly flowing from his head, many feared he had died.

He is now admitted at Kenyatta National Hospital and is receiving treatment.