KMJA condemns withdrawal of Justice Mugambi's security detail

Justice Lawrence Mugambi. [File, Standard]

The Kenya Judges and Magistrates Association (KMJA) has condemned the withdrawal of Justice Lawrence Mugambi’s security detail, terming it intimidation and a direct interference with the independence of the Judiciary.

Justice Mugambi’s security detail was withdrawn following his decision to sentence Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli to six months in prison for failing to contempt of court.

In a statement released on Tuesday, KMJA Vice President Roda Yator described the action as a severe threat not only to Justice Mugambi’s personal safety but also to the broader Judiciary.

“The withdrawal of security officers from Justice Mugambi sends a chilling message to all judges and judicial officers,” Yator said.

“It implies that those who uphold the law may face severe consequences, thereby undermining their ability to perform their duties impartially and without fear.”

KMJA demanded the immediate reinstatement of Justice Mugambi's security and called on the National Police Service to respect the Judiciary and ensure a safe working environment for judicial personnel.

The association emphasized that judges must be able to execute their roles without fear of retaliation and that any grievances should be addressed through lawful means.

However, Masengeli argued that two officers assigned to Justice Mugambi were recalled at the weekend to attend VIP security training.

KMJA also cited an incident involving Kadhi Abdiaziz Maalim Mohamed, who was threatened by Likoni MP Mishi Mboko at the Mombasa Kadhis Court on September 16, 2024. 

The association said the MP’s behavior was part of a disturbing trend of intimidation against the Judiciary.

Mohamed faced a distressing episode when MP Mboko entered his chambers unannounced after she was dissatisfied with a decision rendered by the Kadhi in a case involving a relative.

Rather than seeking constructive dialogue, Mboko resorted to confrontation and accusations of corruption, targeting not just the Kadhi but the entire Judiciary.

Despite the Kadhi’s attempts to advise the MP on the proper legal channels to address her grievances, the situation escalated becoming a public spectacle.

KMJA Vice President Yator highlighted the seriousness of this incident, linking it to a broader pattern of attempts to undermine judicial independence.

“This episode is more than an isolated incident; it reflects a troubling trend of intimidation aimed at eroding the integrity of our judicial institutions,” Yator said.