The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into the alleged withdrawal of the security detail of High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi.
The Judicial Service Commission on Monday alleged the decision was informed by the judge’s ruling on Friday in which he sentenced acting Inspector General of Police, Gilbert Masengeli, to a six-month jail term for contempt of court.
This after he failed to appear before the court a record seven times to explain the whereabouts of three men who went missing on August 19 in Kitengela.
The IG issued a statement saying the two officers assigned to the judge were withdrawn to attend a VIP security training “but were replaced by two VIP protection officers from the Judiciary Police Unit”.
In a statement on Tuesday, IPOA CEO Elema Halake referenced a Monday statement by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) confirming the withdrawal of Mugambi’s security detail, describing the move as deliberate and punitive.
“In view of the foregoing, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, on its own motion, has instituted investigations into the alleged withdrawal pursuant to Section 6 of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority Act, Cap 86 Lows of Kenya,” Halake said in the statement.
“The investigations will inform recommendations. including but not limited to prosecution, where culpability is established.”
Halake similarly slammed Masengeli for continuously ignoring court summons, emphasizing that the IG’s actions set a dangerous precedent that encourages impunity and disregard for the rule of law.
“The Authority also notes that in the cited matter presided over by Justice Mugambi the High Court issued several summons to the Acting IG which were not honoured. This culminated in the Ag. IG being found in contempt of Court and was subsequently sentenced. Failure to honour summons is unlawful and violates Article 244 of the Constitution,” he said.
