Acting IG Gilbert Masengeli speaking during a press briefing at the Police Pavilion, South C, on September 17, 2024.....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Acting Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli now says that security officersattached to Justice Lawrence Mugambi have been replaced.
Speaking on Tuesday, Masengeli said they were replaced by two VIP protection officers attached to the Judiciary Police Unit.
He 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.
“In the case of Justice Mugambi, the two security officers in question are general duty officers and were therefore recalled to attend VIP security training, and were replaced by two VIP protection officers from the Judiciary Police Unit,” he said.
His remarks come hours after he had explained that the said officers had been recalled for a training session.
He said necessary arrangements were made to ensure Justice Mugambi’s security is guaranteed.
“The two officers, being general duty officers, were recalled for purposes of attending VIP security courses. We are aware that suitable arrangements were made to ensure that Hon. Mugambi’s security was always assured,” he said.
The acting IG refuted statements that the security officers were withdrawn to intimidate him.
Masengeli said such a notion was ill intended.
Chief Justice Martha Koome on Monday said that the security detail was withdrawn over the weekend after they were disarmed.
“A disturbing action was taken by the national police in the wake of the sentencing of the acting IG. Police belonging to Mugambi were disarmed and subsequently withdrawn over the weekend,” Koome stated as she condemned the action.
She said the actions are against Article 160 of the constitution, which emphasises the independence of the Judiciary.
“Retaliatory measures against judicial officers are uncalled for. JSC calls for the national police to restore the security of Justice Mugambi,” she said…CLICK HERE FOR MORE ARTICLE>>>
