Hours after coming under sharp criticism over his controversial decision to recall Justice Lawrence Mugambi’s security, the Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli on Monday came out to clarify the matter.
In a statement, the police boss disclosed that Justice Mugambi’s security personnel were recalled to attend VIP security courses.
According to Masengeli, despite the decision to recall the officers, a special arrangement was made to ensure that the judge received new security officers.
“The two officers, being general duty officers, were recalled for purposes of attending VIP security courses. We are aware that suitable arrangements were made to ensure Hon. Mugambi’s security was always assured,” IG Masengeli clarified.
Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli (left) and High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi.
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The Acting Police IG further dismissed allegations that the decision to recall Justice Mugambi’s security was linked to the jury’s recent ruling against the police boss.
“It is in the public domain that the IG has accorded the Judiciary, just like the other arms of government, the requisite protection, both the institutions and the persons serving therein without favour or discrimination,” the police IG stated.
Masengeli while commenting on his decision to skip the court proceedings on Friday, September 1, revealed that he was unable to attend the session due to continuous operational meetings.
In a bid to comply with the court orders, Masengeli explained that he assigned the Deputy IG of the Kenya Police Service to attend court on his behalf.
“It is not clear why the Court insisted on the IG attending to this matter in person, yet an equally senior officer had been availed by the Service,” the police IG stated.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the issues arising in the matter in Court were not personal to the IG,” he added.
Masengeli’s clarification comes hours after Chief Justice Martha Koome faulted the Inspector General of Police for unwarrantedly withdrawing Justice Mugambi’s security.
According to CJ Koome, the security detail was withdrawn over the weekend after their firearms were confiscated. She further noted that Masengeli’s actions contravened Article 160 of the Constitution which emphasizes the Judiciary’s independence.
Chief Justice Martha Koome speaking during a JSC interview on March 3, 2021.
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Judicial Service Commission
