The acting Inspector General of Police, Gilbert Masengeli, has been found guilty of court contempt after he snubbed seven summons to appear before the judge, Lawrence Mugambi, at the Mlimani law court.
Masengeli was found guilty by the High Court judge of violating the directive, which required him to provide information regarding the locations of the three people believed to have been kidnapped by the police in Mlolongo, and Kitengela areas.
Masengeli had his final chance to appear before the judge today, but he instead sent his deputy in charge of the Kenya Police, Mr. Eliud Langat, to represent him. However, the Law Society of Kenya requested the court not allow Lagat to answer on behalf of the IG following his subsequent defiance appear before the judge.
He’s been visiting the Northeastern region to assess the level of insecurity in the area due to increased attacks on police stations. At the time he received the seventh summons today, Masengeli was on the police helicopter, in the company of DCI Mohamed Amin, meeting the National Police Service (NPS) officers.
The IG was also in attendance at the Haiti festival at Uhuru Gardens in the company of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and other state officials.
LSK President, Faith Adhiambo, welcomed the court ruling and urged the courts to firmly deal with those dishonoring the court order.
“The authority and dignity of courts are essential for the maintenance of the rule of law. Our courts must firmly deal with any and all persons acting with impunity, ignoring clear and lawful orders of the court. We welcome the Court’s ruling and urge that the Court’s sentencing against the Acting IG be an affirmation of the Court’s impregnable power in upholding the constitution,” she said.
Acting IG Masengeli was expected to respond to the disappearances of Bob Njagi, Asmal Longton, and Jamil Longton, who were allegedly abducted by police officers. Njagi was abducted in Mlolongo, while the two brothers were abducted in the Kitengela area.
The abductions took place on August 19 over the protests. Since then, nothing has been heard from the police, as their friends and families are still in darkness over their whereabouts. An effortless search in the morgues has so far proved unfruitful, even as the families have been eagerly waiting for the response from the acting IG in the court of law.
