Masengeli: Why I withdrew Justice Mugambi's security

Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli has clarified that two security officers assigned to Justice Lawrence Mugambi were recalled at the weekend for training purposes.

Responding to Chief Justice Martha Koome's statement regarding the withdrawal of the officers, Masengeli explained that the officers were needed for VIP security training.

“The officers seconded to institutions like the Judiciary remain serving officers of the National Police Service and can be reassigned at the discretion of the IG. These two officers, as general duty officers, were recalled for VIP security training,” said Masengeli in a statement on Monday evening. 

The acting Police IG added that measures had been put in place to ensure Justice Mugambi’s security was not compromised.

His statement followed concerns raised by Chief Justice Koome, who questioned the timing of the withdrawal, just days after Justice Mugambi sentenced Masengeli to six months in prison for contempt of court.

“A concerning action was taken by the National Police after the sentencing of the Acting IG. Justice Mugambi’s police guards were disarmed and withdrawn over the weekend,” Koome said.

At the same time, Masengeli said that the security detail of Mugambi was replaced after the previous officers were recalled to attend a training.

Masengeli reiterated that his absence from the court was due to urgent national security duties.

“The NPS remains committed to upholding the rule of law. In compliance with the court’s orders, the IG assigned the Deputy IG of the Kenya Police Service to appear on his behalf,” he explained, questioning why the court insisted on his personal appearance.

“For clarity, the issues before the court were not personal to the IG,” he concluded.

Masengeli has come under heavy criticism for failing to honour court summons over the disappearance of three men in Kitengela, Kajiado County.