The Security detail of High Court Judge Justice Lawrence Mugambi has been withdrawn with immediate effect.
This is after Justice Mugambi sentenced the acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli to six months in prison for contempt of court.
Chief Justice Martha Koome in a statement on Monday, September 16 said the security team of Justice Mugambi was disarmed and withdrawn over the weekend.
“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 Justice Mugambi were disarmed and withdrawn.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,” Koome stated.
She condemned the move by the police saying any benefits or conditions of service related to a Judge’s position, including their security, must not be varied to their disadvantage, particularly in retaliation for the lawful execution of their judicial duties.
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“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,” Koome remarked.
The Chief Justice called on the National Police Service, to immediately restore the security of Justice Mugambi.
In a ruling on Friday, September 13, Justice Mugambi ordered the acting IG to surrender himself to the Commissioner General of Prisons to serve his sentence.
"Mr. Gilbert Masengeli is sentenced to six months in prison. He is ordered to surrender himself to the Commissioner General of Prisons to ensure that he is to be committed to a prison facility to commence serving his sentence," Justice Mugambi ruled.
Masengeli was found guilty of contempt of court on Monday, September 9, after defying court summons seven times.
He was wanted in court to explain the whereabouts of three individuals who were abducted in Kitengela, Kajiado County, on August 19.
At the same time, Justice Mugambi had summoned the commandant of the Security of Government Buildings (SGB) and VIP Protection Unit Lazarus Opicho after he called his bodyguard and driver to establish his whereabouts before today’s hearing.
While appearing before the High Court Judge on Friday, Opicho said he made the calls as part of his routine.
Opicho then apologized to Justice Mugambi for calling his bodyguard.
“I want to really appreciate that you are a VIP who is actually concerned about your security. It’s true that it is my routine, as my lawyer has confirmed that I normally talk to VIPs and their security anytime. It is true that I have your number. Later, I also spoke to you, but I found you very calm and very well, so I rested my case.," Opicho said.
