Police Commandant Clarifies Spying On Judge Handling Acting IG Masengeli's Case

Lawrence
High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi.
Photo
File

On Friday, the High Court Judge handling Acting Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli's case Lawrence Mugambi summoned the Commandant of Security of Government Buildings (SGB) unit 

There had been concerns that the High Court judge was being traced and the judge wanted clarification.

Concerns grew after details revealed that Lazarus Opicho had called Mugambi's driver and bodyguard on different occasions asking for his exact whereabouts.

"Why would you be calling my driver and bodyguard on different occasions to ask for my exact whereabouts", the Judge asked Opicho.

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Commandant of Security of Government Buildings (SGB) unit Lazarus Opicho appearing before High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi, 13 September 2024
Photo
File

Appearing before the judge on Friday, Opicho apologized for calling the judge's driver and bodyguard clarifying that the call and concerns were genuine.

According to Opicho,  the calls were to inquire about the judge’s security, especially after a judicial magistrate was shot dead at the Makadara Law Courts.

“After the Makadara Law Court shooting incident, I found it prudent to personally call the police assigned to the judge for a briefing,” Opicho said. 

The police officer confirmed to the court that he had no other hidden intention apart from ensuring the safety of the judicial officer. 

Opicho added that being the pioneer commandant of the Judiciary Police Unit, he has strong ties with judicial officers and would not intend to harm them.

“I endeavor to serve you diligently and all the judicial officers and this will not happen again."

Magistrate Mugambi however questioned why Opicho did not call him directly if he intended to check on his security. Opicho promised to call the judge directly next time.

On Monday, Judge Lawrence Mugambi summoned Opicho to explain why he had called his driver and bodyguard before he convicted Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli.

The judge observed that Masengeli was holding the court at ransom.

Consequently, on Friday, the High Court judge sentenced the Acting Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli to six months imprisonment for contempt of court.

Acting Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli inspecting a guard of honour
Acting Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli inspecting a guard of honour
Photo
NPS
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