"Justice Mugambi's security Recalled to attend VIP security courses" Masengeli

In a development raising questions about the independence of the judiciary, Justice Lawrence Mugambi’s security detail was abruptly withdrawn just days after he sentenced acting Inspector General of Police, Gilbert Masengeli, to prison. Chief Justice Martha Koome condemned the move, citing the disarming of Mugambi’s guards over the weekend as a "disturbing action."

In response, IG Masengeli defended the decision, stating that the officers were reassigned for VIP security training, and that Mugambi's security needs had been addressed through alternate arrangements. He stressed that the National Police Service (NPS) operates under strict protocols, and the reassignment followed these guidelines.

The controversy, however, has sparked concerns about potential retaliation against the judiciary. Chief Justice Koome's swift intervention signals the judiciary's readiness to defend its members, while Masengeli clarified that only key state officials, such as the President, Deputy President, and Retired Presidents, are guaranteed security by law.

With this sudden move happening so closely after Mugambi's sentencing of the acting police chief, speculation over whether the security withdrawal was politically motivated remains rife. The incident brings to the forefront debates on the independence of the judiciary and police accountability, making this a pivotal moment for Kenya’s rule of law.