The security detail for High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi was withdrawn shortly after he sentenced Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli to six months in prison for contempt of court. This decision has sparked concern over judicial independence and safety. Chief Justice Martha Koome condemned the move, describing it as an act of intimidation and a violation of the judiciary’s independence, which is protected under Article 160 of Kenya’s Constitution.

Judge Mugambi’s ruling came after Masengeli failed to comply with court orders related to the release of three individuals who were allegedly abducted during anti-government protests. Despite multiple summonses, Masengeli did not appear in court, leading to his sentencing. The police’s retaliatory action of withdrawing the judge’s security has raised alarms, with both the Judicial Service Commission and the Law Society of Kenya calling for the immediate restoration of his protection.