The National Police Service (NPS) has clarified that the recent withdrawal of Justice Lawrence Mugambi's security detail, just days after he sentenced acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli to prison, was at the discretion of the IG.
In a statement on Monday, IG Masengeli explained that the two officers assigned to Mugambi were reassigned "to attend VIP security courses" and that alternative security arrangements were made for the judge. He further explained that, according to the law, only the President, Deputy President, and a Retired President are entitled to personal security details.
"Other individuals are provided personal security based on the criteria established in NPS policies and as determined by the IG from time to time," Masengeli said. He added that judges, by virtue of their office, are not automatically entitled to personal security under the law, and any protection for VIPs is managed by specialized units like the Security of Government.
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Masengeli reaffirmed the NPS's commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of all Kenyans. His statement followed remarks by Chief Justice Martha Koome, who revealed that Mugambi's security was withdrawn over the weekend, with his detail being disarmed before their removal.
"This troubling action by the national police occurred after the acting IG’s sentencing," Koome stated on Monday.
Justice Mugambi sentenced Masengeli to six months in prison on Friday after finding him guilty of contempt of court. The High Court judge ordered Masengeli to surrender to the commissioner general of prisons, warning that if he failed to do so, the Interior Cabinet Secretary would take steps to ensure his imprisonment.
However, Mugambi noted that Masengeli could avoid serving the sentence if he appeared in court within seven days. The IG was held in contempt for failing to respond to seven court summons regarding the disappearance of Bob Njagi, Jamil Longton, and his brother Aslam Longton, who went missing on August 19, 2024, allegedly abducted by police during the Gen Z-led anti-government protests.
