Acting Inspector General (IG) of Police Gilbert Masengeli has responded to Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Koome‘s statement regarding the withdrawal of the security detail assigned to Justice Mugambi.
In a statement, the National Police Service (NPS) clarified that the responsibility for the independent command of the Service is vested in the IG.
For this reason, the NPS stated that no one may give directions to the IG concerning the employment, assignment, promotion, suspension, or dismissal of any member of the National Police Service, in accordance with Article 245 (4)(c) of the Constitution.
“The IG is responsible for the security of all Kenyans regardless of their status in society. Nonetheless, the IG may accord additional security detail to specific persons based on the nature of assignments being undertaken by such persons and the threat levels that their responsibilities may attract,” the NPS stated.
The NPS dismissed the allegations raised by Koome and assured the country that the security of all Kenyans, including judges, remains its prime consideration.
According to the Service, other than the President, the Deputy President, and the retired President, no other Kenyan is entitled by law to be provided with a personal security detail.
The NPS explained that other individuals are provided with personal security based on the criteria set out above and, in the policies, developed by the NPS, as may be determined by the IG from time to time.
“The tenure of judges does not, by that fact alone, include personal security as a matter of law. In line with the VIP Policy, VIPs are protected by specialized units, including the Security of Government Buildings and the VIP Protection Unit, which in the case of the Judiciary is named the Judiciary Police Unit,” the NPS stated.
Also Read: Lawrence Mugambi: Profile of Bold Judge Who Sentenced Masengeli to Prison
Provision of Security to Govt Institution & Commissions
The NPS maintained that IG Masengeli has provided the Judiciary, along with other arms of government, commissions, and independent agencies, the requisite protection, both for the institutions and the individuals serving within them, without favor or discrimination.
However, the Service clarified that the officers seconded to such institutions remain serving officers of the National Police Service and can be reassigned at the sole discretion of the IG.
“Such was the case with Justice Mugambi’s security. 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 Mugambi’s security was always assured,” the NPS explained.
Also Read: Koome Speaks After Withdrawal of Lawrence Mugambi’s Security
NPS Defends Masengeli on Missing Court Sessions
The NPS reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the rule of law is upheld, adding that IG Masengeli was unable to attend court due to national security duties.
The Service explained that the responsibilities of the IG require attendance at operational meetings virtually all day at different locations.
Therefore, the IG assigned the Deputy IG of the Kenya Police Service to attend court on his behalf, in a bid to comply with the orders.
“It is not clear why the court insisted on the IG attending to this matter in person, yet an equally senior officer had been made available by the Service. For the avoidance of doubt, the issues arising in the matter in court were not personal to the IG,” the NPS stated.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi sentenced the Acting IG Masengeli to six months in jail for contempt of court.
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