Faith Odhiambo, the President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), has issued a sharp rebuke to Chief Justice Martha Koome and the Judiciary over their silence regarding ongoing police killings of the nation’s youth, commonly referred to as Gen Z.
Odhiambo’s comments came during a recent interview on Spice FM, where she highlighted the discontent and mistrust brewing among the Kenyan youth towards the country’s judicial system.
Odhiambo, who has become a prominent figure among Gen Z protestors opposing the controversial 2024 finance bill, warned the Judiciary, especially those judges entangled in corruption, that accountability was imminent.
“CJ Martha Koome should shape up or ship out. Kenyans need to regain trust in the Judiciary,” Odhiambo declared.
Her remarks reflect a growing sentiment among the populace that the Judiciary has failed to act impartially and protect the rights of all citizens, especially the vulnerable youth targeted by police brutality.
The LSK President’s critique did not stop at the Judiciary. She also directed her ire at the Central Police Station in Nairobi, describing it as a “ruthless institution that disregards the law.”
Odhiambo accused some police officers stationed there of maintaining a “Stone Age mentality,” suggesting that their outdated and brutal methods of law enforcement were unacceptable in modern society.
She warned that after addressing the 2024 Finance Bill protests, the next focus would be on reforming these draconian police practices.
The 2024 Finance Bill, passed by MPs on Tuesday, has sparked significant outrage, particularly among the youth, who feel the proposed tax hikes will disproportionately impact them.
The bill has been perceived as a catalyst for exacerbating the already dire economic conditions faced by ordinary Kenyans.
Protests have erupted nationwide, with demonstrators demanding the bill’s rejection and voicing their concerns about the increasing economic strain.
President William Ruto, in response to the mounting pressure, withdrew the bill, a move that has been seen as a concession to the protestors’ demands.
However, this action has not quelled the unrest. Protests have persisted across various regions, including Nairobi, where demonstrators continue to voice their displeasure and demand more significant reforms.
The government has deployed the Kenya Defence Forces to bolster security measures amid these ongoing protests, signaling the administration’s concern over the escalating civil unrest.
Faith Odhiambo’s outspoken criticism underscores a broader issue of institutional accountability and the need for substantial reforms within Kenya’s judicial and law enforcement systems.
Her call for Chief Justice Koome to “shape up or ship out” encapsulates the frustration of many Kenyans who feel betrayed by institutions meant to protect their rights and interests.
The ongoing protests against the 2024 Finance Bill and the broader calls for judicial and police reform highlight the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and responsiveness from Kenya’s leadership.
As the nation grapples with these pressing issues, the role of the Judiciary and law enforcement in upholding justice and human rights remains under intense scrutiny.
The coming weeks will likely be crucial in determining whether meaningful changes will be implemented to restore public trust and ensure the protection of all citizens, particularly the youth, who represent the future of Kenya.
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