Acting IG Masengeli snubs court the sixth time, sends DIG

By Antynet Ford

Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli has snubbed the court for the sixth time.

The court had issued a summon for Masengeli to avail himself before the court over the disappearance of three people in Kitengela.

His legal team told Justice Lawrence Mugambi that he is currently engaged in operational matters in Wajir.

To demonstrate the seriousness they have taken with the case, Deputy Inspector General Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat was sent to court on his behalf.

However, his legal team defended their client stating that he is currently away on duty in Wajir County.

On his part, former LSK President Nelson Havi called High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi to hold Masengeli, in contempt of court.

Havi has urged the court to impose a six-month prison sentence for Masengeli at Kamiti Maximum Prison and to impose a fine against him personally, which should be deducted directly from his salary.

Previously, the Attorney General, through state counsel Wanjiku Mwangi, urged the court to allow Masengeli to send a representative.

Read also:- Wanjigi Urges Government to End Abductions of Innocent Kenyans

Masengeli’s short tenure has been marked by controversy, particularly for disobeying court orders compelling him to appear and offer an explanation about disappearance of two brothers and an activist in Kitengela.

Jamil Longton, 41, and Aslam Longton, 35, were abducted in Kitengela by people who introduced themselves as police officers.

Bob Njagi, an activist, was pulled from a Kitengela-bound matatu in Mlolongo town along Mombasa Road and bundled into a waiting vehicle that then drove away. Their phones went off shortly after.