The Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into allegations concerning the withdrawal of security personnel attached to High Court Justice Lawrence Mugambi as several petitioners flood courts to petition for the ouster of acting Police Inspector General (IG) Gilbert Masengeli
This follows Mugambi’s last week sentencing where he sent Masengeli to six months behind bars for contempt of court.
In a statement IPOA CEO Elema Halake has described the withdrawal of Mugambi’s security detail as deliberate and punitive, referencing a statement by the Judicial Service Commission.
Halake has slammed Masengeli for continuously ignoring court summons, emphasizing that the IG’s actions set a dangerous precedent that encourages impunity and disregard for the rule of law.
This, as the Katiba Institute has filed a case in court to compel Masengeli to immediately reinstate the security detail of High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi.
Echoing Kaiba institute the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association has asked all state actors to accord the judiciary the respect it deserves and instructed Masengeli to shape up the national police force of shape out
In a statement issued KMJA Vice President Rhoda Yator lamented that there was a troubling pattern of intimidation against judicial officers as Judge Patrick Otieno condemned the withdrawal of security for justice Lawrence Mugambi
Weighing in on the matter, officials from Haki Africa have urged Interior and national administration and Cabinet secretary Kithure Kindiki to sack Masengeli arguing that his role in the national police service is nugatory or mobilize citizens to arrest the acting IG and lock him up
However, Masengeli now says that security officers attached to Justice Lawrence Mugambi have been replaced.
Speaking during a meeting with traffic police officers Masengeli noted that they were replaced by two VIP protection officers attached to the Judiciary Police Unit.
petitioners have sued Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli following the disappearance of Wajir Member of County Assembly, Yussuf Ahmed.
In their petition, the victim’s family moved to court seeking orders to compel the police IG and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Mohamed Amin to produce the lawmaker.
Ahmed’s family further demanded that the politician be released and presented in court alongside the two police bosses.
The MCA’s family while filing the case, faulted Masengeli and other police officers for failing to provide information regarding the disappearance of their kin.
Speaking at the Narc Kenya party Headquarters a cross section of opposition leaders faulted the Ruto regime for not taking action of action of some of the state officers
Mukhiya Kituyi has challenged the head of state to defend the rule of the law in safeguarding the lives of Kenyans and take action against Masengeli