- Lazarus Opicho, commandant of the VIP Protection Unit, apologised to Justice Lawrence Mugambi for inquiring about his whereabouts
- Opicho explained in court that contacting VIPs and their security teams was part of his routine duty to ensure their safety
- Justice Mugambi accepted Opicho's apology but raised concerns about repeated inquiries into his location by the officer
- Opicho assured the court that his actions were not meant to cause discomfort and pledged to serve diligently in the future
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Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi - The commandant of the Security of Government Buildings (SGB) and VIP Protection Unit of the police, Lazarus Opicho, has apologised to Justice Lawrence Mugambi.
Opicho was summoned and appeared in court on Friday, September 13, where he explained why he called Justice Mugambi's bodyguard.
The senior police officer had called the judge's bodyguard and driver to establish his whereabouts.
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In a humble address to the court, Opicho explained that ensuring the safety of VIPs, including the judge, was part of his routine.
He expressed deep regret for any discomfort caused by his actions, adding that once he talked to Justice Mugambi, he stopped inquiring.
"First and foremost, I want to really appreciate that you are a VIP who is actually concerned about your security. It's true that it's my routine, as my lawyer has confirmed that I normally talk to VIPs and their security anytime. It is true that I have your number. Later, I also spoke to you, but I found you very calm and very well, so I rested my case," Opicho said.
He assured the court that he had never had any issues with Justice Mugambi or any other VIP, further emphasising his dedication to serving well.
"Sorry for that... sorry that will not be repeated again. Thank you, sir, I'll endeavour to serve you well," he added.
Did Mugambi accept Opicho's apology?
The High Court judge accepted Opicho's apology, revealing incidents that led to him summoning the senior police officer.
Mugambi revealed that Opicho tried to enquire about his location at least twice, stating that he questioned both his bodyguards.
He explained to the VIP protection unit boss that he was not against him reaching out to his officers as long as it was on normal police duties.
"I will accept your apology. If you call them on their own issues as police officers, it is okay, but when you take it to the point where you want to know exactly where I am, not from one officer but both of them and they were on separate occasions that time, why would you be so concerned about my whereabouts? What is it that you were looking for that you could not ask me," Mugambi said before discharging him from the court.
ICJ expresses concern over Mugambi
Earlier, The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya) condemned the intimidation of Justice Mugambi.
The commission termed Opicho's calls to know Justice Mugambi's whereabouts a violation of judicial independence.
ICJ Kenya urged the National Police Service to respect the rule of law, claiming that Masengeli’s actions erode public trust in the justice system
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke
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