The arrest of Kenya’s former chief justice, Willy Mutunga, during a protest in Nairobi has drawn sharp condemnation from the British government, which described the move as an assault on the rule of law in a Commonwealth nation. Mutunga, a respected figure known for his judicial independence, was detained alongside other opposition activists as they demonstrated against rising living costs and alleged government overreach.
Witnesses reported a heavy police presence at the scene, with officers firing tear gas to disperse the crowd. Mutunga, 75, was held for several hours before being released without charge. The incident came amid a broader crackdown on dissent in Kenya, where inflation has pushed food prices to record highs and unions have staged strikes over stagnant wages.
The British Foreign Office issued a statement expressing deep concern. “The arrest of a former chief justice undermines the democratic institutions that Kenya has built,” a spokesperson said. “We urge the government to respect the rights of peaceful protest and uphold the independence of the judiciary.” The statement also noted that the UK stands ready to offer support for dialogue and reform.
For many Kenyans, the arrest symbolises a wider erosion of hard-won freedoms. Mutunga had presided over landmark rulings on land rights and police brutality during his tenure. His detention has been denounced by human rights groups, who say the state is using security forces to silence critics.
The economic backdrop is stark. The cost of a loaf of bread has risen by 20 per cent in the past year, while fuel prices have surged. In Mombasa, dockworkers have threatened to strike over pay. Kenya’s labour unions have warned that the government’s failure to address inequality is fuelling unrest.
Britain’s condemnation is significant given Kenya’s role as a key partner in the Commonwealth. Trade between the two nations is worth £1.5 billion annually, with British firms employing thousands in Nairobi and the Rift Valley. The UK has also provided millions in aid for health and education. But London has increasingly pressed Nairobi on governance, especially after disputed elections in 2017 and 2022.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga called the arrest a “dark day for Kenya”. He said the government is using the cost-of-living crisis as an excuse to crush dissent. “The people are hungry. They want cheap flour, not tear gas,” he said.
President William Ruto’s administration has defended the police action, citing the need to maintain order. However, the arrest of a former chief justice risks alienating the international community. Kenya has long positioned itself as a beacon of stability in East Africa, but such incidents strain ties with Western allies.
The UK’s reaction will be watched closely by other Commonwealth countries, many of which face similar tensions between security and civil liberties. As one diplomat put it: “When a former chief justice is arrested, it is not just Kenya’s problem. It is a problem for every democracy.”
