Acting Inspector General of Police, Gilbert Masengeli, is now in hot water after being found guilty of contempt of court for repeatedly dodging summons.
On Monday, Justice Lawrence Mugambi didn’t mince words when delivering his verdict, emphasizing that public officials, especially those like the acting IG, are bound by the constitution.
“It is the responsibility of the court to restore public confidence with the courts. IG may be removed from office if proven that he undermines the constitution,” Justice Mugambi declared firmly.
He also noted that, “The conduct of the first respondent has held this court at ransom.”
A tough pill for the acting IG to swallow, but this is the consequence of playing hide-and-seek with the justice system.
Sentencing will now be made on Friday, 13th September 2024.
Representing Masengeli, the state counsel revealed that the IG, who’s looking more rebellious by the minute, is currently busy with operational activities in Wajir and couldn’t make it to court.
However, this excuse didn’t sit well, especially since this was the seventh time Masengeli has skipped a court appearance.
His attempt to make amends by sending Deputy IG Eliud Lagat didn’t impress the court either.
Lawyer Nelson Havi, representing the petitioners, wasn’t having any of it. Havi further argued that the acting IG’s constant defiance called for drastic action.
“At the end of this, we will ask the court to do two fundamental things; to convict the acting IG for contempt of court and to sentence him to the highest permissible legal consequence,” Havi stated.
“We want Gilbert Masengeli not to hold public office because it is not his personal property. Masengeli was attending a concert. In Kenya, a concert is treated as a matter of national importance. How shameful!” Havi quipped.
Masengeli’s presence is needed in court to address the mysterious disappearance of three individuals—Jamil Longton, his brother Aslam Longton, and activist Bob Njagi—who were allegedly abducted on August 19, 2024, during the Gen Z protests, with police involvement suspected.
