Courtroom Chaos as Activist Disrupts Session Protesting DIG Lagat’s Alleged Shielding by IPOA

Nairobi, Kenya – Proceedings at the Kibera Law Courts were briefly thrown into disarray on Thursday morning after a dramatic interruption by a human rights activist protesting what he claimed was a cover-up involving Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat.

The disruption unfolded in Courtroom 3 before Justice Diana Kavedza, as an advocate was addressing the bench.

In a video circulating online, the man later identified as Mulinge Muteti stood up mid-session and shouted: “IPOA, stop protecting Lagat!” His declaration was a direct jab at the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), suggesting alleged shielding of DIG Lagat from accountability.

Court orderlies quickly intervened, attempting to restrain Muteti as he stood with his hands raised, refusing to sit. In a measured response, Justice Kavedza addressed the activist directly, asking if he wished to speak.

Muteti, unfazed, replied, “Yes, sure. Can I?”

The judge informed him that he would only be allowed to proceed if he issued a proper apology for disrupting court business. After an initial casual “I apologise,” the judge pressed for a more sincere expression of remorse, using a striking analogy to underscore the importance of courtroom decorum.

“When you go to the hospital and find doctors attending to patients, even if you’re in distress, you sit and wait,” she said. “Court is no different. You must respect the process.”

Muteti, who said he was not affiliated with any organisation, described himself simply as a concerned citizen and activist. While he did not substantiate his claims about DIG Lagat, his emotional tone suggested deep frustration with alleged police impunity and the perceived inaction of oversight bodies.

Justice Kavedza reminded him that while courts are open to all, proper channels must be followed, warning him that future outbursts would not be tolerated and could lead to his immediate detention.

“Courtrooms are not arenas for protests. We are governed by law, not noise,” she said.

The incident underscores growing public impatience over unresolved police accountability cases, and the increasing tendency by activists to seek visibility in spaces traditionally reserved for formal legal discourse.

Muteti was not detained but was warned sternly before being allowed to quietly exit the courtroom.