Acting IG sentenced to six months in prison over contempt of court
By Antynet Ford
Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli has been sentenced to six months in prison for contempt of court.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi made the ruling today following the acting IG’s failure to honor seven summons of the court.
The judge directed Masengeli to avail himself to the Commissioner General of Prisons to ensure that he is committed to a prison facility to begin serving his sentence.
Failure to submit himself to the commissioner general of prisons, the court directed that the Cabinet Secretary for Interior enforce the order.
However, Mugambi said the sentence will be suspended in seven days to allow Masengeli to “redeem” himself by complying with the court order.
“The court finds it desirable to impose this sentence as a coercive order as opposed to a punitive order. In that regard, Mr Masengeli may avoid serving this sentence and in that regard, the court shall suspend this sentence for seven days only. The Acting police IG may redeem himself by Acting IG can redeem himself and comply by availing himself before this court in person to answer to issues he has been avoiding. In default, the sentence shall be automatically become effective.” Mugambi ruled
The acting IG had been summoned by the court to explain the whereabouts of Jamil Longton, his brother Aslam Longton, and activist Bob Njagi, who were allegedly abducted by individuals believed to be police officers on August 19, 2024, during the Gen Z-led anti-government protests.
The police IG however persistently and blatantly snubbed all the seven summons issued against him. Consequently, Justice Mugambi convicted him for contempt of court.
Read also:- Acting IG Masengeli snubs court the sixth time, sends DIG
