After Chief Justice Martha Koome termed the withdrawal of Justice Lawrence Mugambi’s security detail as retaliatory action, the acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli has responded.
The High Court Judge’s two security officers were withdrawn over the weekend after he sentenced Masengeli to six months in prison for contempt of court.
Koome yesterday condemned the actions saying they were against Article 160 of the constitution, which emphasises the independence of the judiciary.
Masengeli in a statement last night however claimed the two officers were recalled to attend security courses.
“The officers seconded to such institutions remain serving officers of the National Police service who can be reassigned at the sole discretion of the IG. Such was the case with Justice Mugambi’s security” the IG stated.
Adding; “The two officers, being general duty officers, were recalled for purposes of attending VIP security courses”.
While explaining his failure to honour the court summons, Masengeli said arrangement are being made to get Mugambi security.
“Due to exigencies of national security duties the IG was unable to attend court in the matter” he claimed.
He clarified that as per the law, only the President, the Deputy President and a Retired President are entitled to personal security detail.
“Other persons are provided with personal security based on the criteria set out above and, in the Policies, developed by the NPS and as may be determined by the IG from time to time,” he said.
The tussle started after the judge ordered Masengeli to appear in court in a case of abduction of three men in Kitengela.
The acting IG skipped seven summons, prompting Justice Mugambi to sentence him for contempt of court.
