Kibera High Court Judge Diana Kavedza was on Monday, June 30, forced to pause proceedings in another courtroom to address a group of activists who were singing and chanting in protest.
The group had gathered ahead of the arraignment of three activists accused of mobilizing looting during the June 25 anti-government protests.
As the noise escalated, Kavedza temporarily left an ongoing court session to calm the situation.
In her address to the activists, she urged them to uphold courtroom decorum.
"In any court in the country, we keep quiet because we respect the crown; it is always silence in court. I'm urging you that as you stand here, you will get justice," she said.
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Kavedza emphasized that while the court was a place for justice, those seeking it must also conduct themselves with responsibility and respect.
“This is a court of justice and when you come for justice you must also be responsible and behave well. You have not behaved well; imagine you have got me out of the court to come and beg you to behave well. Be kind and good to us because you want us to serve you," she added.
Activists John Mulingwa Nzau alias Garang, Mark Amiani alias Generali and Francis Mutunge Mwangi alias Chebukati were arrested on claims of inciting violence, theft, and destruction of property during protests on Wednesday, June 25.
In a statement on Saturday, June 28, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the suspects were arrested by detectives on Friday, June 27, while traveling on a Mombasa-bound bus near the Konza City section.
“In an intelligence-led operation conducted on Friday, June 27, DCI detectives intercepted and arrested three ill-reputed campaigners who, through coordinated channels and social media posts, incited goons to violence, massive theft and destruction of property, thus propagating a narrative that undermined national stability and the constitutionally protected right to peaceably assemble and picket.
"John Mulingwa Nzau alias Garang, Mark Amiani alias Generali and Francis Mutunge Mwangi alias Chebukati were flushed from a Mombasa bound bus at the Konza City section, following an indepth forensic investigation triggered by testimonies from concerned and affected citizens," the statement read.
According to the DCI, the three had planned to flee to the coast in an attempt to evade capture.
“Among others who have already been identified and are being pursued, the suspects had planned to hole up at a coastal hideout to evade police dragnet, oblivious that justice would catch up with them sooner or later,” the statement added.
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