The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has expressed deep concern over the recent withdrawal of security for Justice Lawrence Mugambi, a High Court judge in Kenya. This move came shortly after Justice Mugambi delivered a ruling in which the Acting Inspector General of Police was sentenced to six months imprisonment for failing to comply with court orders. The NCCK views this action as a direct intimidation of a judicial officer, undermining the rule of law enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya.
Justice Mugambi’s ruling arose from a case where the National Police Service had failed to present three individuals in court, despite a previous order requiring their physical presence. Furthermore, the Acting Inspector General had ignored subsequent summonses to attend court hearings. The NCCK emphasized that such defiance of court orders by state officials fosters a culture of impunity, which threatens the welfare of the nation.
Quoting the Constitution, the NCCK pointed out that every person, including state officials, has an obligation to respect, uphold, and defend the Constitution. Additionally, the National Police Service is mandated to comply with constitutional standards of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
In their letter, the NCCK called upon the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to direct the Inspector General to immediately reinstate Justice Mugambi’s security and ensure that the police service complies with all judicial rulings. They warned that failure to uphold the rule of law sends a dangerous signal to citizens, encouraging a state of lawlessness.
The NCCK’s concerns highlight the broader issue of state officials disregarding judicial authority, a growing problem that threatens to erode the very foundations of Kenya’s democracy and constitutional order.
