Acting Inspector General of police Gilbert Masengeli addressed the controversy surrounding the security arrangements for Justice Lawrence Mugambi.
Masengeli clarified that the changes in Mugambi’s security detail were not intended as intimidation but were part of routine operational adjustments.
According to Masengeli, the security officers previously assigned to Justice Mugambi have been replaced by two VIP protection officers from the Judiciary Police Unit. He emphasized that these changes were made to ensure that Mugambi’s protection continues without interruption. “The officers who were previously assigned to Justice Mugambi were general duty officers. They were recalled for VIP security training and have been replaced by officers specifically trained for such duties,” Masengeli explained.
Masengeli’s remarks came in response to claims that the withdrawal of Mugambi’s security detail was retaliatory. Chief Justice Martha Koome had condemned the action, stating that the officers had been disarmed and withdrawn over the weekend, which she suggested was a retaliatory measure following recent legal developments. Koome further criticized the move as a violation of Article 160 of the Constitution, which safeguards the independence of the Judiciary.
In response, Masengeli dismissed such allegations as unfounded and ill-intentioned. He reiterated that all police officers seconded to government institutions, including the Judiciary, remain under the command of the National Police Service. “Their deployment and reassignment are under the purview of the IG, and these actions were taken to enhance the security detail’s effectiveness,” he said.
Masengeli assured that appropriate arrangements were made to guarantee Justice Mugambi’s security during the transition. “We are fully aware of the importance of Justice Mugambi’s security and have ensured that suitable measures are in place to protect him,” he added.
This clarification comes amid growing scrutiny and criticism from various quarters regarding the handling of judicial security. The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has called for the restoration of Justice Mugambi’s security detail, urging the National Police Service to address any concerns related to the independence of the judiciary and the safety of its members.
The ongoing debate underscores the tension between the judiciary and law enforcement, highlighting the need for clear and transparent procedures in matters of security and institutional independence.