Masengeli’s statements come amid claims by Chief Justice Martha Koome that the withdrawal of security officers from Judge Lawrence Mugambi was a form of intimidation.
In a recent announcement, Masengeli stated that the NPS is not subject to interference from any external parties, including the Judiciary.
He asserted that the service operates independently and will not succumb to any form of coercion or intimidation. This defense follows allegations from the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) concerning the assignment of personal security to judges.
According to Masengeli, the NPS remains dedicated to ensuring the safety of all Kenyans, including judges. He emphasized that the service’s operations are solely under the authority of the Inspector General, as outlined in the Constitution.
Article 245(4)(c) of the Constitution grants the IG exclusive control over the employment, assignment, promotion, suspension, and dismissal of police officers. Masengeli highlighted that this provision underscores the NPS’s operational autonomy.
The controversy began when the Chief Justice condemned the decision to withdraw police officers assigned to Justice Mugambi. Koome described the move as an attempt to intimidate and undermine judicial independence.
She stressed that judicial independence is crucial for upholding justice and ensuring that judges can make decisions based solely on the law without fear of retribution.
She warned that any threats to this independence could jeopardize the rule of law and lead to a breakdown of justice.
In response, Masengeli clarified that the security officers who were removed from Justice Mugambi’s protection were not dismissed but rather recalled for VIP security training.
He explained that these officers were replaced by two VIP protection specialists from the Judiciary Police Unit. Masengeli emphasized that despite the secondment of officers to other state agencies, they remain under the command of the NPS and are subject to reassignment by the IG.
Masengeli’s statements aim to reassure the public and the judiciary that the NPS’s primary focus is the security of all citizens. He reinforced that the service will continue to operate independently and resist any attempts to interfere with its functions.
0 Comments