High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi’s security detail was abruptly withdrawn following his decision to jail Acting Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli. Chief Justice Martha Koome revealed that police officers assigned to Mugambi were disarmed and removed over the weekend.
Koome condemned the move, calling it a retaliatory action after the judge sentenced Masengeli to six months in prison for contempt of court. “This act is deeply troubling and violates Article 160 of the Constitution, which safeguards the independence of the judiciary,” Koome said.
The Chief Justice stressed that any form of intimidation toward judicial officers undermines the rule of law. “The withdrawal of security from a sitting judge sends a dangerous message – that judges can be threatened or punished for decisions some may disagree with. This goes against the very principles of justice and fairness,” she added, urging the National Police Service to restore Mugambi’s security immediately.
Koome reassured the public that the Judiciary would not be swayed by such intimidation, reaffirming their commitment to upholding justice.
Judge Mugambi had sentenced Masengeli on Friday to six months in prison after finding him guilty of contempt for repeatedly ignoring court summonses. The case revolved around Masengeli’s failure to account for the whereabouts of three men – Bob Njagi, Jamil Longton, and his brother Aslam Longton – who disappeared on August 19, 2024, during anti-government protests.
The judge ordered Masengeli to turn himself in to the Commissioner General of Prisons. If he fails to do so within seven days, the sentence will take effect. However, the judge also hinted that Masengeli could avoid imprisonment if he complies with the court’s demands within the given timeframe.
The incident has drawn significant attention, sparking debate about the independence of the judiciary and police accountability.
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