A day after reports emerged that Justice Lawrence Mugambi’s security had been withdrawn after he sentenced the police boss Masengeli to prison, Masengeli has come out to explain reasons behind the move.
In a statement, Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli said that the decision to withdraw security of the judge was not personal and it was done as a routine to attend VIP security courses.
According to Masengeli, despite the decision to recall Judge Lawrence Mugambi’s security, a special arrangement was made to ensure that the judge received new security officers immediately.
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“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.”
Masengeli further distanced the withdrawal of Mugambi’s security to a decision that he made on a case that he was accused of contempt of court, and said the judiciary is provided with security without favor.
“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.”
This comes after Judiciary and various leaders led by Justice Martha Koome condemned the Inspector General of Police over the decision to withdraw security detail of a sitting judge after ruling a decision against him.
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“A disturbing action was taken by the national police where Mugambi’s security were disarmed and withdrawn in the wake of the IG sentencing. Retaliatory measures against judicial officers are uncalled for,” JSC stated calling for security reinstatement