Judge Mugambi’s security withdrawn, CJ Koome calls for immediate reinstatement

The security of High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi has been withdrawn, a move strongly condemned by Chief Justice Martha Koome.

On Monday, Koome reported that over the weekend, the Judge’s security detail, consisting of a bodyguard and a driver, was allegedly removed and disarmed by the National Police Service (NPS).

Koome has called for the immediate reinstatement of the Judge’s security, arguing that this action represents an unacceptable retaliation.

The withdrawal of security follows Justice Mugambi’s recent sentencing of Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli to six months in prison.

Koome contends that the decision to remove the officers is a direct response to the judicial ruling, undermining the principle of judicial independence and protection.

In a press briefing at the Supreme Court, Koome, who is also the Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), expressed her concerns over the alleged intimidation.

She assured Kenyans that the judiciary will remain steadfast despite the challenges it faces.

“It is crucial to remember that judicial independence is not a privilege for Judges; it is the cornerstone of justice for all citizens. Judges must be free to make decisions based solely on the law, without fear of retribution or interference,” said Koome.

She emphasized that encroachments on judicial independence could lead to lawlessness, which might supersede rights and justice is subverted by intimidation.

The controversy stems from Masengeli’s conviction and sentencing by Judge Mugambi for contempt of court.

On Friday, Mugambi ordered Masengeli to report to the Commissioner General of Prisons, with a stipulation that if he failed to comply, steps should be taken to ensure his incarceration.

Mugambi also allowed for the possibility of Masengeli avoiding the sentence if he appeared in court within seven days to address the issues at hand.

Meanwhile, the Judge accepted an apology from SGB/VIP Commandant Lazarus Opicho, who had been summoned to court to explain why he had called for the withdrawal of the Judge’s security.

Despite this, the police proceeded to disarm and withdraw the Judge’s security detail over the weekend.

Koome described the act of withdrawing security as deeply concerning, suggesting it sends a chilling message to the judiciary and the public.

“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,” she said.

Koome reiterated that dissatisfaction with court decisions should be addressed through appeals rather than punitive measures against judicial officers.

“We are aware that an appeal has been filed and is yet to be heard and determined. We caution, however, that retaliatory measures against a Judge or judicial officer have no place in a democratic society,” she added.

She concluded by affirming that judges must be free to make decisions based solely on the law, without fear of retribution or interference.

The post Judge Mugambi’s security withdrawn, CJ Koome calls for immediate reinstatement first appeared on KBC.

The post Judge Mugambi’s security withdrawn, CJ Koome calls for immediate reinstatement appeared first on KBC.