Following intense criticism regarding his contentious decision to withdraw the security detail of Justice Lawrence Mugambi, Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli issued a clarification on the matter.
In his statement, the acting IG of Police explained that the security personnel assigned to Justice Mugambi were recalled to participate in VIP security training courses. READ FULL STORY
Masengeli further noted that, notwithstanding the recall of the officers, a special arrangement was implemented to provide the judge with a new security team.
“The two officers, being general duty officers, were recalled for purposes of attending VIP security courses. We are aware that suitable arrangements were made to ensure Hon. Mugambi’s security was always assured,” Masengeli saif.
Masengeli also refuted claims suggesting that the decision to withdraw Justice Mugambi’s security was associated with the judge’s verdict to find the police guilty of contempt of court.
“It is in the public domain that the IG has accorded the Judiciary, just like the other arms of government, the requisite protection, both the institutions and the persons serving therein without favour or discrimination,” he stated.
In addressing his choice to forgo the court proceedings on Friday, September 1, Masengeli stated that he was unable to participate in the session because of ongoing operational meetings.
To adhere to the court’s directives, he indicated that he had delegated the responsibility of attending court to the Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service.
“It is not clear why the Court insisted on the IG attending to this matter in person, yet an equally senior officer had been availed by the Service. For the avoidance of doubt, the issues arising in the matter in Court were not personal to the IG,” he said.
On Monday, Chief Justice Martha Koome announced that the security detail assigned to Justice Mugambi had been disarmed and removed over the weekend.
This action followed Justice Mugambi’s sentencing of the acting Masengeli to six months’ imprisonment for contempt of court.
“In the wake of this ruling, a disturbing action was taken by the National Police Service over the weekend: the security detail assigned to Hon. Justice Mugambi were disarmed and withdrawn. This deliberate and punitive measure represents a direct assault on judicial independence, an affront to the rule of law, and a violation of the principles enshrined in our Constitution,” the CJ stated.
Koome criticized the police’s action, asserting that any advantages or terms of service associated with a Judge’s role should not be altered to their detriment especially as a form of retaliation for the proper performance of their judicial responsibilities.
“The act of withdrawing the security of a sitting Judge, following a judicial decision that displeased certain authorities, is deeply concerning. It sends a chilling message to the Judiciary and the public at large: that those entrusted with upholding justice and safeguarding our rights can be intimidated, bullied, or retaliated against for their rulings,” she remarked.
Masengeli was found guilty of contempt of court on Monday, September 9, after defying court summons seven times.
