YVONNE'S TAKE: Adios, Inspector of contempt!

This week, the Kenya Police's top command was in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Acting police boss Gilbert Masengeli, convicted by a court to serve a six-month jail term, retaliated by withdrawing the security detail of the very judge who sentenced him. Here's how it unfolded.

Masengeli had failed to honour court summons seven times and was eventually convicted by Justice Lawrence Mugambi, who handed him a six-month sentence. However, instead of accepting the judgment, Masengeli responded by recalling the security personnel assigned to protect Justice Mugambi. His reasoning? The officers were needed for "VIP protection refresher training."

The timing, however, seems suspicious. How coincidental that the judge's protectors needed immediate training right after convicting Masengeli? Furthermore, there was no mention of any other security reassignment.

This incident puts Masengeli's name in infamy, showcasing a growing trend in Kenya's history - using security withdrawal as a tool to intimidate or retaliate against those who stand up to powerful figures.

In 2019, security was withdrawn from MPs allied to then Deputy President William Ruto, with Kikuyu Town MP Kimani Ichung’wah confirming this on live television. No official communication was provided, and the police spokesperson dismissed the move as part of a "reorganization of police services personnel."

In 2018, West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo’s security was withdrawn after he confronted police officers and freed a boda boda operator they had arrested. Then, there was the 2017 NASA leaders’ security detail being withdrawn on the eve of their protests against the IEBC. Even Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka went to court after his security was pulled just before Raila Odinga's controversial swearing-in.

The practice extends further back into Kenya's history. During the Moi regime, Vice President Dr. Josephat Karanja's security detail was withdrawn as part of the political moves leading to his ouster.

These events are worrying signs for the rule of law. The heads of two important institutions - the police and the judiciary - are at loggerheads, and that does not bode well for the justice system.

If Masengeli can ignore court orders, why should anyone else obey them? If the Deputy Inspector General of Police is too busy to honour a court summons, why should any Kenyan trust the police to enforce laws or warrants?

Some accuse me of being obsessed with this matter. Yes, I am obsessed, and here’s why: When senior police officers show utter contempt for the courts, it sets a dangerous precedent for those they command. How will such officers treat ordinary citizens on the streets? If the police disregard their duty to protect all Kenyans, especially those who have gone missing, we should be deeply concerned. Let’s not forget the reason Masengeli was summoned to court - he was supposed to provide information on Kenyans who have been missing for over a month.

For those cheering Masengeli today, remember this: What happens when it's your family member who goes missing tomorrow? Won’t you want someone, like the courts, to stand up for you and ensure the police do the right thing?