The Kenyan government has withdrawn the security detail assigned to High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi.
This action comes mere days after Judge Mugambi handed down a six-month prison sentence to Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli for contempt of court.
The timing of the security withdrawal has raised eyebrows and sparked concerns about judicial independence.
Despite being found guilty and sentenced, Masengeli has not stepped down from his position.
He continued with his duties as Acting Inspector General, prompting widespread calls for his immediate surrender to authorities.
Chief Justice Koome Condemns Police Actions
In response to the unfolding situation, Chief Justice Martha Koome issued a strongly worded statement, seen by Tujue Media, Koome did not mince words in her condemnation of the police service’s actions:
“In the wake of this ruling, a disturbing action has been taken by the National Police Service over the weekend. The security detail of Justice Lawrence Mugambi was disarmed and withdrawn. This deliberative 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 emphasized the importance of maintaining judges’ benefits and conditions, particularly their security, regardless of their rulings. She added:
“The act of withdrawing the security of a sitting judge following a decision that displeased certain individuals is deeply concerning.”
The Chief Justice called upon all security actors, with particular emphasis on the National Police Service, to immediately reinstate Judge Mugambi’s security detail.
She stressed the constitutional duty of these entities to respect and enforce court decisions, regardless of personal disagreements.
The Kitengela Abduction Case
Koome noted that an appeal against Judge Mugambi’s ruling has been filed and is awaiting hearing and determination.
The controversy stems from a case involving the mysterious disappearance of three men in Kitengela.
These individuals vanished on August 17 after participating in protests against the Finance Bill 2024. Eyewitness accounts suggest they were abducted by armed individuals driving a white Subaru.
Masengeli’s repeated failure to “respond to six court summons” regarding the whereabouts of these men led to the contempt of court charge.
