Masengeli: I recalled Justice Mugambi's security to attend VIP security courses

In a statement on Monday, IG Masengeli stated that he reassigned the two officers "for purposes of attending VIP security courses" and that appropriate arrangements were made to afford Mugambi security.

Masengeli further clarified that as per the law, the President, the Deputy President and a Retired President are the only ones entitled to personal security detail.

"Other persons are provided with personal security based on the criteria set out above and, in the Policies, developed by the NPS and as may be determined by the IG from time to time," he said.

"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 Security of Government."

He further reiterated that the NPS is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of Kenyans.

This comes after Chief Justice Martha Koome, said that Mugambi's security detail was withdrawn over the weekend after they were disarmed.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 Police belonging to Mugambi were disarmed and subsequently withdrawn over the weekend,” Koome stated on Monday.

Masengeli sentencing 

Justice Mugambi on Friday sentenced Masengeli to six months in prison after being found guilty of contempt of court.

The High Court judge ordered Masengeli to present himself to the commissioner general of prisons.

"In event he doesn't submit himself CS Interior must take all steps to ensure he is committed to prison to serve sentence," said Justice Mugambi. 

However, the judge noted that Masengeli may avoid serving the sentence if he appears in court within seven days, failure to do so, the sentence will be effective. 

Masengeli was found guilty of contempt after skipping 7 court summons to give a report on the whereabouts of Bob Njagi, Jamil Longton and his brother Aslam Longton, who went missing on August 19, 2024. 

The three are reported to have been abducted by police amid the Gen Z-led anti-government protests.