The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has issued a strong statement denouncing the rising wave of public attacks and online vilification directed at judges and magistrates, particularly in relation to their recent bail and bond decisions.

In a statement released on Thursday by JSC Secretary Winfridah Mokaya, the commission expressed “grave concern” over the backlash following rulings from the Nanyuki and Kahawa Law Courts. In Nanyuki, 111 individuals arrested during the July 7 Saba Saba protests in Laikipia County were granted bail at Ksh.50,000 each after being charged with malicious property damage. Similarly, in Kahawa, 37 youths charged with terrorism-related offenses connected to the June 25 and July 7 protests were also released on cash bail of Ksh.50,000 or a bond of Ksh.200,000.

The rulings have sparked sharp criticism from some quarters, including former Chief Justice David Maraga, who questioned the legitimacy of the terrorism charges, suggesting they may be aimed at suppressing dissent. On social media, some users have gone as far as demanding the release of personal information of judicial officers involved in the cases—an act Mokaya warned poses a serious threat to judicial independence and public confidence in the justice system.

“These decisions are guided by the Constitution, the Criminal Procedure Code, and the Judiciary’s bail and bond policy guidelines,” said Mokaya. “Judicial officers do not act arbitrarily.”

The JSC emphasized that those dissatisfied with court rulings should pursue legal avenues such as appeals and reviews, rather than resorting to intimidation or personal threats. Mokaya confirmed that the Judiciary Police Unit has put in place necessary security measures to protect judicial officers.

Reaffirming its commitment, the JSC vowed to uphold and defend the decisional independence of judges and magistrates across the country.