High Court Judge Justice Lawrence Mugambi has had his security detail withdrawn after sentencing the Acting Inspector General of Police, Gilbert Masengeli, to six months in prison for defying multiple court orders.
The sudden withdrawal of security has sparked concerns over judicial independence and safety, with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) issuing a strong condemnation of the incident.
Justice Mugambi’s ruling came after Masengeli was found in contempt of court for failing to comply with seven different habeas corpus orders issued by the High Court.
The orders sought the release of three individuals, Bob Micheni Njagi, Jamil Longton, and Salam Longton, who had been detained under questionable circumstances, with Mugambi noting that the non-compliance constituted a serious breach of the rule of law.
Chief Justice Martha Koome on Monday report that the security detail were withdrawn over the weekend after they were disarmed.
“A disturbing action was taken by the national police in the wake of sentencing of the acting IG. Police belonging to Mugambi were disarmed and subsequently withdrawn over the weekend,” Koome stated as she condemned the action.
The Chief Justice noted that the actions are against Article 160 of the constitution, which emphasises the independence of the judiciary.
“Retaliatory measures against a judicial officers are uncalled for. JSC calls for the national police to restore the security of Hon. Justice Mugambi,” she stated.
Koome further assured Kenyans that the Judiciary is committed to standing firm in protecting the rule of law, while condemning the “act of intimidation by the national police.”
