Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet has refuted claims he disobeyed court orders to release lawyer Miguna Miguna on February 6.
"That I am well aware that the judiciary plays a critical role in our country and I have never disobeyed any court order once brought to my attention," he said.
In an affidavit dated February 9, Boinnet said he was away on a National Security Council meeting and sent a representative to the court.
"I did not disobey the order of this court. At the time I received the information that the DCI and I were required to be present before the court, I was already scheduled to attend a meeting," he said.
Boinnet said he directed the DCI
to ensure that the National Police Service was represented in court as a sign that the entire service holds the court in high esteem.
"Due to the nature of my duties as the IG, it is mandatory that I attend all national security meetings for the sole purpose of ensuring our country's safety and security," he said.
The IG said he had sent Director legal affairs at NPS Stanley Cheruiyot and Amos Omuga to represent him and the DCI.
"I have since confirmed that the two officers did appear in court," he said, adding that
NPS respects and promotes the rights and fundamental freedoms as enshrined in the constitution.
On February 7,
High Court judge Luka Kimaru
ordered the IG and DCI to personally appear in court on February 14 to showcause why they should not be punished for disobeying court orders.
Kimaru issued the orders during a hearing of the case where police were directed to personally present the self-proclaimed NRM general.
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Chief Justice David Maraga warned against disobeying court orders saying its inimical to the rule of law.
Maraga spoke after
Boinnet and DCI George Kinoti defied orders to release lawyer Miguna Miguna from police custody.
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