The National Police Service (NPS) has issued a public statement clarifying its stance regarding the alleged intimidation of Hon. Justice Lawrence Mugambi.
This follows a statement from the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), led by Chief Justice Martha Koome, which claimed that the withdrawal of Justice Mugambi’s security detail over the weekend was intended to intimidate judiciary members.
CJ Koome made the shocking revelations that Hon. Justice Mugambi’s security was disarmed and withdrawn, days after he sentenced acting Inspector-General of Police Gilbert Masengeli to six months in prison for contempt.
In the press release, IG Masengeli said that the responsibility for assigning security details resides solely with the Inspector General (IG).
According to the NPS, the decision to reassign Justice Mugambi’s security officers was based on operational duties, as the officers were called to attend VIP security training.
The NPS stated that the security of judicial officials is a high priority, and arrangements were made to ensure the safety of Justice Mugambi at all times.
The NPS reiterated that only the President, Deputy President, and retired leaders are entitled to formal security under the law, with others receiving protection based on specific threat assessments and not as a matter of entitlement.
“In particular, the NPS notes that other than the President, the Deputy President and the Retired President, no other Kenyan is entitled by law to be provided with personal security detail. Other persons are provided with personal security based on the criteria set out above and, in the Policies, developed by the NPS and as may be determined by the IG from time to time. ” the statement read in part.
Furthermore, the NPS expressed concern over the public perception of its actions, defending its commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining a collaborative relationship with all arms of government, including the judiciary.
