Commandant of Security of Government Buildings (SGB) unit Lazarus Opicho has apologised to the court for calling both the bodyguard and driver to the High Court Judge Lawrence Mugumbi to establish the judge’s whereabouts.
Opicho, on Friday, September 13, 2024, told the court that his intention for calling was to inquire about the judge’s security.
“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.
Punctuated with a salute, the police confirmed to the court that he had no other hidden intention apart from ensuring the safety of the judicial officer.
Additionally, Opicho said that being the pioneer commandant of the Judiciary Police Unit, he has strong ties with judicial officers and he would not intend to harm them.
Opicho further apologised to the judge and the court, pledging never to repeat it.
“I endeavour to serve you diligently and all the judicial officers and this will not happen again. I apologise for not calling you your honour,” Opicho told the court.
The judge, however, questioned why Opicho could not call him directly if indeed his concern was all about his security.
On Monday, judge 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 found that it was improper for him to do so as he was holding the court at ransom.
