Deputy Inspector General of police Gilbert Masengeli has finally presented himself in court today, 20th September 2024. This is after he had snubbed the court seven times which led him to be convicted for 6 months jail term for contempt of court on 9th September 2024 by Justice Lawrence Mugambi, a High Court Judge.
Gilbert Masengeli was supposed to appear in Court to answer to the disappearance of three people that went missing in Kitengela on 19th of August 2024. The three are Jamil Longton (42), Aslam Longton (36) and activist Bob Njagi. He failed to obey the court orders and went ahead to withdraw security details of justice Mugambi after he was convicted, stating that the officers had been recalled to attend VIP security Courses.
However, Chief Justice Martha Koome strongly condemned the withdrawal of Justice Mugambi’s security detail. She described it as a “disturbing action” taken by the national police following Mugambi’s sentencing. Koome emphasized that this move violated Article 160 of the constitution, which protects judicial independence, and called for the immediate restoration of Mugambi’s security.
The acting Inspector General of Police Sentence was set to begin on Friday, 20th September 2024 but he filed an appeal at the Court of appeal on Thursday, 19th September 2024 seeking to subvert the recent ruling that had sentenced Him to a six – month imprisonment. The Deputy Inspector General through His Lawyers, Steve Ogolla and Cecil Miller argued that Justice Lawrence Mugambi was at fault by sentencing Him despite his response to the court that stated the 3 missing persons were not under police custody.
However, the Court of Appeal, declined the application seeking to suspend his term. Through His Lawyers, Gilbert Masengeli filed a petition at the High Court asking to be allowed to appear in court today, Friday between 12 pm and 2 pm.
In the petition filed, Masengeli admitted to missing court hearings but emphasized that his non-attendance was not intentional. He cited operational challenges, including his involvement in security operations in Northern Kenya and the Coast region, as reasons for his absence.
The Deputy Inspector General also apologized to the court for breaking orders and committed to future compliance. The case has brought to light ongoing issues within the Kenyan police force, including allegations of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. Human rights organizations have consistently called for greater accountability and transparency within the force.