High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi's security was withdrawn over the weekend, sparking a strong response from Chief Justice Martha Koome.
In a statement issued on Monday, Koome revealed that the security detail assigned to Justice Mugambi had been disarmed and removed following the judge's sentencing of acting Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli.
This action, she argued, violates Article 160 of the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantees judicial independence.
Koome condemned the security withdrawal as an act of intimidation and retaliation. "Retaliatory actions against judicial officers are unacceptable," she emphasized, calling the National Police to restore the judge's security. The Chief Justice assured Kenyans that the Judiciary remains steadfast in upholding the rule of law and will not be swayed by intimidation.
“The act of withdrawing the security of a sitting Judge following a judicial decision that displeased certain authorities is deeply concerning.
— Judicial Service Commission Kenya (JSC) (@jsckenya) September 16, 2024
It sends a chilling message to the Judiciary and the public at large: that those entrusted with upholding justice & safeguarding our… pic.twitter.com/NbQxtxJhyz
Justice Mugambi recently sentenced Masengeli to six months in prison for contempt of court after he failed to respond to seven court summonses regarding the disappearance of Bob Njagi, Jamil Longton, and Aslam Longton.
Police reportedly abducted the three individuals during anti-government protests led by the Gen Z movement on August 19, 2024. Despite being found guilty, Masengeli can avoid serving the sentence if he presents himself in court within seven days. If he fails to do so, the Interior Cabinet Secretary will be tasked with ensuring his imprisonment.
Koome’s statement criticized the withdrawal of the judge’s security as a dangerous precedent, warning that it sends a message of intimidation to the Judiciary and the public.
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