CJ Koome Calls Out Government for Withdrawing Security of Judge Lawrence Mugambi

Chief Justice Martha Koome has issued a hash statement in criticism of the government stand to withdraw the security of Justice Lawrence Mugambi who committed to six months in jail the Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli.

In a stark departure to her known support for the Kenya Kwanza administration Justice Koome now says that the trend to bully and intimidate State Officers for diligently performing their duties must stop.

Masengeli was found guilty of contempt of court after skipping 7 court summons to give a report on the whereabouts of Bob Njagi, Jamil Longton and his brother Aslam Longton, who went missing on August 19, 2024 ahead of the Gen Z protests.

Chief Justice Martha Koome said that High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi’s security was withdrawn Monday morning after they  were disarmed over the weekend.

The move has sparked an online uproar with internet users questioning the government’s commitment to uphold integrity when Officers performing their duties within the law are open to such blatant attacks.

“A disturbing action was taken by the national police in the wake of sentencing of the acting IG. Police belonging to Mugambi were disarmed and subsequently withdrawn over the weekend,” Koome stated as she condemned the action.

Koome noted that the action was in disregard of Article 160 of the Constitution which emphasizes the independence of the judiciary.

“Retaliatory measures against a judicial officer is uncalled for. JSC calls for the national police to restore the security of Hon. Justice Mugambi,” Koome said.

Koome further assured Kenyans that the Judiciary is committed to standing firm in protecting the rule of law, while condemning the “act of intimidation by the national police.”

“The act of withdrawing the security of a sitting Judge, following a judicial decision that displeased certain authorities, is deeply concerning. It sends a chilling message to the Judiciary and the public at large: that those entrusted with upholding justice and safeguarding our rights can be intimidated, bullied, or retaliated against for their rulings.”

Masengeli sentencing

Justice Mugambi on Friday sentenced Acting Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli to six months in prison after being found guilty of contempt of court.

The High Court judge ordered Masengeli to present himself to commissioner general of prisons.

“In event he doesn’t submit himself CS Interior must take all steps to ensure he is committed to prison to serve sentence,” said Justice Mugambi.

However, the judge noted that Masengeli may avoid serving the sentence if he appears in court within seven days, failure to do so, the sentence will be effective.