The security assigned to High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi has been withdrawn with immediate effect.
This comes barely three days after the judge sentenced Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli to 6 months in prison for contempt of court.
Mugambi had been assigned additional security after he raised concerns about being surveilled by unknown people after issuing summons to acting police IG Masengeli.
Mugambi had earlier disclosed that senior police officers had made inquiries of his whereabouts, to the extent of reaching out to his driver and bodyguard.
Noting that the Acting IG was holding the judge at ransom, Judge Mugambi sentenced him to 6 months in prison after missing court summons 7 times.
Despite his conviction, Masengeli is yet to start serving his sentence although he has been given seven days to present himself.
Meanwhile, Chief Justice Martha Koome has condemned the withdrawal of Mugambi’s security, terming it a threat to the Judiciary.
In a statement on Monday September 16, the Chief Justice noted that the move was a deliberate and punitive measure representing a direct assault on judicial independence, an affront to the rule of law, and a violation of the principles enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution.
“Any benefits or conditions of service related to a Judge’s position, including their security, must not be varied to their disadvantage, particularly in retaliation for the lawful execution of their judicial duties. Security for Judges is an accrued benefit that cannot be withdrawn whimsically, stated Martha Koome.
“It sends a chilling message to the Judiciary and the public at large: that those entrusted with upholding justice and safeguarding our rights can be intimidated, bullied, or retaliated against for their rulings,” she added.
Masengeli had been summoned in court to answer for the abductions of activist Bob Njagi and siblings Jamil and Aslam Longton who were allegedly arrested by police officers in Kitengela, Kajiado County, about a month ago.
Written by Rose Mutuku.
