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{
    "id": 1471963,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1471963/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 85,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Sifuna",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13599,
        "legal_name": "Sifuna Edwin Watenya",
        "slug": "sifuna-edwin-watenya"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, I have been deputized to make this Statement on behalf of the Senate Minority Leader, hon. Stewart Madzayo. This is a Statement on withdrawal of the security detail of hon. Justice Lawrence Mugambi. I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.52(1) to make a Statement on a matter of national and general topical concern, namely withdrawal of the security of hon. Justice Lawrence Mugambi, judge of the High Court of Kenya. On 13th September, 2024, hon. Justice Lawrence Mugambi issued a ruling in contempt of court proceedings against Mr. Gilbert Masengeli, the acting Inspector General (IG) of Police, sentencing him to six months in prison. This ruling has drawn a seemingly retaliatory action from the National Police Service (NPS), which withdrew the judge’s security detail over the weekend. This action by the NPS is a violation of the rule of law and the principle of judicial independence enshrined in our Constitution. It is not only illegal but outrightly unconstitutional. Article 160 of the Constitution of Kenya provides for the independence of the Judiciary and states that the Judiciary shall be subject only to the Constitution and the law and not controlled or directed by any person or authority. The withdrawal of security for a sitting judge in response to his discharge of judicial duty is a direct contravention of this constitutional provision and must be condemned. Judicial officers must be at liberty to make decisions based on law, free from intimidation or coercion. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only.A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and Audio Services,Senate."
}