The security detail for High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi has been withdrawn, according to a statement by Chief Justice Martha Koome.
The Chief Justice revealed that the security team assigned to Judge Mugambi was disarmed and removed over the weekend, following a recent judicial decision.
Chief Justice Koome condemned this action as “disturbing,” noting that it occurred after Judge Mugambi sentenced Acting Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli to six months in prison for contempt of court.
Koome criticized the move as retaliatory and contrary to Article 160 of the Constitution, which guarantees judicial independence.
Koome called on the national police to restore Judge Mugambi’s security and assured the public that the Judiciary remains steadfast in upholding the rule of law.
She condemned the withdrawal of security as an intimidation tactic that undermines the independence of the judiciary.
The withdrawal of Judge Mugambi’s security has raised serious concerns about judicial autonomy and the potential for retaliation against judges for their rulings.
This incident follows Judge Mugambi’s recent sentencing of Acting IG Masengeli, who was found guilty of contempt for failing to comply with court orders.
On Friday, Judge Mugambi ordered Masengeli to report to the Commissioner General of Prisons to serve his sentence.
He also stipulated that if Masengeli did not appear in court within seven days, the sentence would take effect.
Masengeli had been found guilty of contempt after repeatedly ignoring court summons related to the case of Bob Njagi, Jamil Longton, and Aslam Longton, who went missing on August 19, 2024.
The trio is believed to have been abducted by police during anti-government protests led by Gen Z activists.
The situation has intensified the debate over the relationship between law enforcement and the judiciary and highlighted ongoing tensions within the legal system.
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