The Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into allegations concerning the withdrawal of security personnel attached to High Court Justice Lawrence Mugambi.
This follows Mugambi’s last week sentencing of Acting Police Inspector General (IG) Gilbert Masengeli to six months behind bars for contempt of court.
In a statement on Tuesday, IPOA CEO Elema Halake referenced a Monday statement by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) confirming the withdrawal of Mugambi’s security detail, describing the move as deliberate and punitive.
“In view of the foregoing, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, on its own motion, has instituted investigations into the alleged withdrawal pursuant to Section 6 of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority Act, Cap 86 Lows of Kenya,” Halake said in the statement.
“The investigations will inform recommendations. including but not limited to prosecution, where culpability is established.”
Halake similarly slammed Masengeli for continuously ignoring court summons, emphasizing that the IG’s actions set a dangerous precedent that encourages impunity and disregard for the rule of law.
“The Authority also notes that in the cited matter presided over by Justice Mugambi the High Court issued several summons to the Acting IG which were not honoured. This culminated in the Ag. IG being found in contempt of Court and was subsequently sentenced. Failure to honour summons is unlawful and violates Article 244 of the Constitution,” he said.
Following the JSC statement on Monday, the National Police Service (NPS), in a rejoinder, elucidated that the sudden withdrawal Mugambi’s security detail was done at the IG’s discretion.
