Nairobi, Kenya, September 13, 2024 – In a shocking move, the High Court has sentenced Acting Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli to six months in prison for contempt of court.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi delivered the ruling after Masengeli repeatedly ignored seven court summons.
The case stems from Masengeli’s failure to explain the disappearance of three men in Kitengela – Jamil Longton, Aslam Longton, and activist Bob Njagi – who were allegedly abducted on August 19. The acting IG was required to appear before the court to clarify the situation, but snubbed seven consecutive summonses, citing urgent national security duties.
Court disobedience
Justice Mugambi, in his ruling, expressed frustration over Masengeli’s conduct, stating that the police boss had “held the court at ransom” and shown blatant disregard for the law. “The willful disobedience of court orders is a direct affront to the rule of law,” said the judge. “Masengeli cannot continue hiding behind security operations while disregarding court orders.”
The acting IG made a last-minute attempt to avoid the sentence, with his lawyers, Cecil Miller and Steve Ogolla, pleading for leniency. Masengeli’s legal team argued that he was engaged in critical security operations in Wajir and other parts of the country.
Despite Masengeli’s last-minute plea, citing urgent national security duties, the judge dismissed the excuse, stating the acting IG had been given “more than fair chances” to comply. The court ordered Masengeli to present himself to the Commissioner of Prisons.
However, in a surprising twist, the judge suspended the sentence for seven days, giving Masengeli a final opportunity to appear in court and avoid jail time. “He may avoid serving the sentence if he presents himself before this court within the next seven days,” stated the judge.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), which has been actively pushing for Masengeli’s conviction, welcomed the ruling but criticized the delays in holding the acting IG accountable.
Former LSK President Nelson Havi remarked, “Masengeli cannot continue hiding behind security operations while disregarding court orders.”
All eyes are now on Masengeli, who must decide whether to comply with the court’s demands or face imprisonment.
More updates to follow