Gilbert Masengeli, the Acting Inspector General of Police, recently addressed the controversy surrounding the withdrawal of security for Justice Lawrence Mugambi.
He clarified that the two officers assigned to Justice Mugambi were recalled for training purposes. Masengeli explained that these officers, who are part of the National Police Service, were needed for VIP security training and that the withdrawal had no connection to Justice Mugambi’s judicial decisions.
This move came shortly after Justice Mugambi sentenced Masengeli to six months in prison for contempt of court, leading to concerns raised by Chief Justice Martha Koome about the timing of the decision.
Critics have suggested that the withdrawal was an act of retaliation against the judge, creating an atmosphere of intimidation for judicial officers.
However, Masengeli insisted that adequate measures were taken to ensure the judge’s security was not compromised, despite the officers’ reassignment.
The Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA) condemned the withdrawal, calling it a violation of judicial independence.
They argued that such actions send a troubling message to the judiciary and could potentially undermine the justice system in Kenya.
