The National Police Service (NPS) has explained that the recent withdrawal of Justice Lawrence Mugambi’s security detail, shortly after he sentenced acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli to prison, was a decision made by the Inspector General (IG) himself.
In a statement on Monday, IG Masengeli clarified that the two officers assigned to Mugambi were reassigned “to attend VIP security courses,” and arrangements were made to ensure the judge’s continued security. He further explained that, according to the law, only the President, Deputy President, and Retired Presidents are entitled to personal security details.
“Other individuals are provided with personal security based on specific criteria outlined by the NPS policies and at the discretion of the IG,” he noted.
He emphasized that judges do not automatically qualify for personal security unless dictated by the VIP Policy, which ensures protection through specialized units, including the Security of Government.
IG Masengeli reiterated the NPS’s commitment to upholding the law and ensuring the safety of all Kenyans.
This explanation followed remarks from Chief Justice Martha Koome, who revealed that Justice Mugambi’s security detail had been withdrawn over the weekend after the officers were disarmed.
“A concerning move was made by the national police following the sentencing of the acting IG. Mugambi’s police detail was disarmed and then withdrawn,” Koome stated on Monday.
The withdrawal came shortly after Justice Mugambi sentenced IG Masengeli to six months in prison for contempt of court. The judge had ordered Masengeli to surrender to the Commissioner General of Prisons.
“If he does not surrender, the Interior Cabinet Secretary must take all necessary steps to ensure he serves his sentence,” Justice Mugambi warned.
However, the judge also noted that Masengeli could avoid the sentence if he appeared in court within seven days. Failing that, the sentence would take effect.
Masengeli was found guilty of contempt for ignoring seven court summonses to report on the whereabouts of Bob Njagi, Jamil Longton, and his brother Aslam Longton, who have been missing since August 19, 2024. The three are believed to have been abducted by police during anti-government protests led by the Gen Z movement.
