The security officers assigned to Justice Lawrence Mugambi have been replaced.
Speaking on Tuesday, the Acting Inspector General of Police, Gilbert Masengeli, said that the two security officers assigned to Justice Lawrence Mugambi were recalled for VIP security training and were replaced by VIP protection officers from the Judiciary Police Unit.
Masengeli insisted that despite having security officers seconded to provide protection to other state agencies, they remain under the command of the National Police Service, and the IG may reassign them where he deems fit.
“Police officers seconded to all government institutions remain serving officers of the National Police Service, and their deployment or reassignment remains the mandate of the IG,” Masengeli said.
Masengeli emphasized that suitable arrangements were made to ensure Justice Mugambi’s security was not compromised.
There has been some controversy surrounding this decision, with Chief Justice Martha Koome expressing concerns that the withdrawal of the original security detail might be seen as an attempt to intimidate the judiciary. However, Masengeli has denied these claims, emphasizing that the replacement was a routine administrative decision.
The IGP’s changes in the security officers have sparked some controversy, especially given the timing, as it came shortly after Justice Mugambi sentenced him to six months in prison for contempt of court.
