Concerns about fairness in Kenya’s judiciary have been growing after social media users highlighted a possible conflict of interest involving Justice Kanyi Kimondo and Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat.
A post by Maverick Aoko on X drew attention to photos showing the two men appearing friendly, including one where they posed together with Lagat in uniform and Kimondo in a suit.
Another showed them in what looked like an official handshake. These images sparked public questions about whether their relationship might affect rulings in sensitive cases involving Lagat.
The controversy is tied to two legal matters. The first is the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, who was arrested after criticizing Lagat online. He accused the police boss of corruption, and after his arrest, he was later found dead in a cell.
The incident led to protests and anger across the country, with many demanding accountability. Lagat denied involvement and later stepped aside temporarily later to be revealed he was on leave, but critics argued that his return to duty undermined the investigations.
The court also declined to bar him from continuing work, even as a petition challenging his position was ongoing.
The second matter is a lawsuit seeking to push Lagat into formally resigning. This case, like the Ojwang one, is being handled by Justice Kimondo, further fueling claims of bias.
Critics say the judge should not hear cases linked to Lagat if they are indeed close friends, as suggested by the images circulating online.
Public anger deepened after another tragedy. During demonstrations sparked by Ojwang’s death, police shot and critically injured Boniface Kariuki, a young vendor. He later died in hospital, prompting even louder calls for justice.
Two police officers faced court in connection with the shooting, but concerns grew when it emerged that Justice Kimondo was also linked to handling related proceedings.
Some Kenyans urged Chief Justice Martha Koome to intervene and ensure impartiality, warning that trust in the courts was at risk.
On X, reactions have been heated. Users compared the situation to “a cat guarding the milk” and questioned whether ordinary citizens can ever get justice when powerful figures are involved.
Others expressed disappointment in the judiciary, though a few judges were praised for their integrity.
Families of both Ojwang and Kariuki continue to blame Lagat and have demanded accountability.
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