The National Police Service (NPS) has clarified that the recent withdrawal of Justice Lawrence Mugambi’s security detail, just days after sentencing acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli to prison, was made at the discretion of the IG.
In a statement on Monday, IG Masengeli explained that the two officers were reassigned “for purposes of attending VIP security courses,” and assured that appropriate arrangements had been made to ensure Mugambi’s security.
“As per the law, the President, the Deputy President, and a Retired President are the only individuals entitled to personal security detail,” Masengeli stated. “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 further added, “The tenure of judges does not, by that fact alone, guarantee personal security as a matter of law. In line with the VIP Policy, VIPs are protected by specialized units, including the Security of Government.”
Masengeli reiterated the NPS’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of all Kenyans.
This clarification followed remarks by Chief Justice Martha Koome, who revealed that Justice Mugambi’s security detail had been withdrawn over the weekend after they were disarmed. “A disturbing action was taken by the national police following the sentencing of the acting IG. Police assigned to Justice Mugambi were disarmed and subsequently withdrawn over the weekend,” Koome said on Monday.
Regarding his sentencing, Justice Mugambi had, on Friday, handed Masengeli a six-month prison sentence after he was found guilty of contempt of court. The High Court judge instructed Masengeli to report to the commissioner general of prisons.
“In the event that he fails to present himself, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior must take all necessary steps to ensure he is committed to prison to serve the sentence,” Justice Mugambi declared. However, he also noted that Masengeli could avoid serving the sentence if he appeared in court within seven days. Failing that, the sentence would take effect.
Masengeli was found guilty of contempt after skipping seven court summons to present a report on the whereabouts of Bob Njagi, Jamil Longton, and his brother Aslam Longton, who disappeared on August 19, 2024.
The three men were reportedly abducted by police during the Gen Z-led anti-government protests.
