Judge Mugambi's security withdrawn
By Peter Ochieng
Judge Mugambi’s security withdrawn Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Koome has raised an alarm, over withdrawal of High Court Judge, Lawrence Mugambi’s security.
The CJ in an address to the press on Monday, condemned the action, which was reportedly taken by the National Police Service (NPS) over the weekend.
“A disturbing action was taken by the national police in the wake of sentencing of the acting Police Inspector General. Police officers attached to Judge Mugambi were disarmed over the weekend,” said the CJ.
She said the action, which she termed as retaliatory was uncalled for, adding that it contravenes Article 160 of the constitution which speaks on the independence of the judiciary.
“Retaliatory measures against a judicial officer are called for. The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) calls for the national police service to restore the security of Hon. Justice Mugambi,” she maintained.
Koome said the move by the police only seeks to intimidate the Judiciary. She assured Kenyans that the Judiciary will not be cowed.
“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 solely based on law, without fear of retribution of interference,” she emphasized.
“Any encroachment on this independence puts our society at risk of descending into lawlessness, where might supersede rights and justice is subverted by intimidation.”
On Friday last week, Justice Mugambi sentenced acting Inspector General (IG) of police after finding him guilty of contempt of court.
Masengeli failed to appear in court for over five times, where he was required to appear and explain the whereabouts of three Kenyans, who were reportedly abducted by people believed to be police officers, in Kitengela, Kajiado County mid-August.
He however said that the acting IG may forego the sentence, if he appears in court within 7 days to explain himself.
His lawyers have already reportedly filed for an appeal.
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