Chief Justice Martha Koome has recalled her early involvement in Kenya’s pro-democracy movement, saying she began participating in demonstrations as early as 1989 during campaigns pushing for constitutional reforms.
Speaking during the presentation of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) report on the framework for compensation and reparation for human rights violations, the Chief Justice said Kenya’s current Constitution was shaped through years of civic struggle, including street demonstrations advocating for political and constitutional change.
She noted that the Constitution in force today is a product of sustained public participation and activism, adding that many Kenyans, including professionals such as doctors, teachers, and lawyers, have historically engaged in peaceful protests in pursuit of democratic reforms.
“I started demonstrations in 1989 when we were pushing for constitutional reforms,” she said, reflecting on Kenya’s journey toward a more transformative constitutional order.
The Chief Justice made the remarks while emphasizing the importance of protecting the right to peaceful assembly under Article 37 of the Constitution, while also ensuring that demonstrations do not endanger lives or disrupt public order.
She highlighted ongoing efforts within the judiciary and the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) to develop a structured framework for managing public protests and strengthening accountability mechanisms for human rights violations.
The KNCHR report presented during the event focuses on the establishment of a compensation and reparations framework for victims of human rights violations, including proposals for a victims’ compensation fund.
Koome stressed that while the Constitution guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms, there is a need to ensure that violations are met with effective remedies, including timely compensation for victims.
The judiciary, she added, remains committed to upholding constitutionalism, the rule of law, and ensuring that human rights protections are not only theoretical but implemented in practice.
The event brought together senior government officials, members of the judiciary, and human rights stakeholders, who called for stronger collaboration in advancing Kenya’s human rights and justice agenda.
