The Judiciary hit back at local media and defended its handling of abduction cases on November 6, 2026, insisting it is an independent arbiter rather than an investigative or law enforcement agency.
Judiciary Spokesperson Paul Ndemo addressed criticisms regarding the handling of enforced disappearances and alleged impunity by security agencies, according to The Star, Kenya. The statement followed the publication of a front-page story in The Standard titled ‘Big Talk, Small Act’, which questioned the courts over delays and a perceived failure to protect abducted individuals.
The Judiciary argued that blaming courts for failures by police and prosecutors misleads the public. The Judiciary is an independent and impartial arbiter of disputes, not an investigative, prosecutorial or law enforcement agency,
Ndemo stated, as reported by Kenyans.
According to the institution, its mandate centers on resolving conflicts, safeguarding constitutional guarantees, and enforcing accountability for people and bodies relying on legal statutes and the evidence brought before the bench. Ndemo stressed that judicial orders arising from these proceedings are binding on all persons and institutions, including State and security agencies.
Ndemo added that we therefore urge the media to exercise diligence in distinguishing between the responsibilities of courts and those of investigative, prosecutorial and enforcement agencies,
according to Kenyans. He also emphasized that the shared commitment of the Judiciary and the media must be to strengthen constitutional governance, advance justice and sustain public confidence in the rule of law,
as noted by The Star, Kenya.
Law Society of Kenya President Charles Kanjama responded to the Judiciary’s stance by urging courts to issue firmer directives against disappearances, according to People Daily. Kanjama argued in a statement posted on X on Friday, November 6, 2026, that accountability must extend to senior officials, calling for firm judicial action against individuals involved in abductions, torture, and alleged extrajudicial executions.
Give us strong prompt orders against abductions, disappearances and impunity; don’t ignore command responsibility and responsibility to protect,
Kanjama said, according to People Daily.
Law Society of Kenya President Charles Kanjama called for firm judicial action against individuals involved in abductions, torture and extrajudicial executions, suggesting that holding senior State officials accountable would help the government address criminal elements operating within security agencies. He concluded his remarks by demanding that senior State officials be held accountable for unlawful actions.
The Law Society of Kenya reported that at least 22 abductions had occurred across the country in 2026, prompting threats of a nationwide lawyers’ strike, according to Uzalendo News. Pointing out that multiple victims ultimately regained their freedom following periods of psychological distress and physical abuse, the bar association expressed deep concern while casting doubt on how quickly and thoroughly law enforcement pursued the matters.
Among the cases highlighted was the disappearance of Standard Media Group associate editor Kiproich. Legal representatives continue to demand that security agencies respect constitutional protections and the authority of the judiciary.