Chief Justice Martha Koome Condemns Withdrawal of Judge Lawrence Mugambi's Security

The security detail of High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi has been withdrawn, sparking sharp criticism from Chief Justice Martha Koome, the judiciary, and the public. Speaking to the media, CJ Koome revealed that the National Police Service (NPS) disarmed and removed the security assigned to the judge. She called for the immediate reinstatement of the protection, condemning the move as a retaliatory action.

This incident follows Justice Mugambi's sentencing of Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli to six months in prison. According to Koome, the withdrawal of the judge’s security is a direct reaction to this ruling, which jeopardizes both the independence and safety of the judiciary.

Koome reassured Kenyans that the judiciary will remain resilient in the face of such pressures. She emphasized that threats to judicial independence pave the way for lawlessness, eroding rights and compromising justice through intimidation. The Chief Justice said that judges must be allowed to make decisions based solely on the law, without  fear of retaliation.