Chief Justice Martha Koome has urged a shift in the country’s policing culture, calling on newly appointed officials to drive reforms that prioritize professionalism, human rights, and accountability within the National Police Service.

Presiding over a swearing-in ceremony at the Judiciary headquarters on Tuesday, July 8, Koome oversaw the appointment of Abdullah Kassim to the National Heroes Council, while Peris Muthoni Kimani, Benjamin Juma Imai, and Professor Collete Suda formally assumed roles at the National Police Service Commission (NPSC).

In her address, Koome emphasized the commissioners' responsibility in guiding the police service toward ethical conduct and responsiveness to citizens' concerns.

She described their mandate as central to realizing a constitutional vision of people-centered and humane law enforcement.

Her remarks followed the Saba Saba anniversary protests held across 17 counties, during which the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported 10 fatalities, 29 injuries, two abductions, and 37 arrests.

Koome called on demonstrators to uphold peaceful and lawful protest, while urging police officers to act with restraint and ensure their responses are measured and rights-respecting.

She stressed the importance of distinguishing between peaceful protesters and criminal elements, warning against blanket crackdowns.

“The justice system must deal with offenders individually. Those who commit crimes within protests should be subjected to due process, not indiscriminate action,” she said.

The Chief Justice’s remarks come as part of ongoing judicial reforms, including the establishment of gender-based violence courts in Kisumu and Siaya to tackle rising femicide cases.

With their swearing-in, the new NPSC commissioners take on the responsibility of implementing much-needed reforms, aimed at restoring public confidence and strengthening the rule of law within the country’s security agencies.