Police Commandant Explains Why He Called Judge’s Bodyguard, Driver
On Friday, Lawrence Mugambi, the High Court Judge handling Acting Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli’s case, summoned the Commandant of the Security of Government Buildings (SGB) unit.
There were concerns that the High Court judge was being tracked, and the judge requested clarification.
Concerns grew after it was revealed that Lazarus Opicho had called Mugambi’s driver and bodyguard on several occasions, asking for his exact location.
“Why would you be calling my driver and bodyguard on different occasions to ask for my exact whereabouts,” the Judge asked Opicho.
SGB commandant Lazarus Opicho appeared before Judge Lawrence Mugambi and explained the reason to call judge driver and bodyguard was to ensure judge was safe. pic.twitter.com/3bxWNgvyyS
— N@irobi TIMES. (@NairobiTIMES1) September 13, 2024
Opicho appeared before the judge on Friday and apologized for calling the judge’s driver and bodyguard, stating that the call and concerns were genuine.
According to Opicho, the calls were to inquire about the judge’s safety, particularly 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 his only hidden intention was to ensure the judicial officer’s safety.
Opicho added that as the first commandant of the Judiciary Police Unit, he has close ties to judicial officers and has no intention of harming them.
“I endeavor to serve you diligently and all the judicial officers and this will not happen again.”
Magistrate Mugambi, on the other hand, questioned why Opicho did not call him directly if he wanted to ensure his security. Opicho promised to call the judge the next time.
On Monday, Judge Lawrence Mugambi summoned Opicho to explain why he called his driver and bodyguard before convicting Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli.
The judge observed that Masengeli was holding the court hostage.
As a result, on Friday, the High Court judge sentenced Acting Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli to six months in prison for contempt of court.
Police Commandant Explains Why He Called Judge’s Bodyguard, Driver
