Kenya’s Acting Inspector General Masengeli Sentenced to Six Months in Jail

High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi has today issued a ruling sentencing Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli to six months in jail for contempt of court.

This decision comes in response to Mr Masengeli’s repeated failure to appear before the court, having disregarded summons on seven separate occasions. The case centers around the disappearance of three individuals in Kitengela on August 19, 2024, which has raised serious concerns about potential police misconduct. Judge Mugambi’s ruling orders Mr Masengeli to surrender himself to the Commissioner General of Prisons to serve his sentence. The judge further stipulates that should Mr Masengeli fail to comply, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior would be responsible for ensuring his commitment to prison.

“Mr Masengeli is ordered to surrender himself to the Commissioner General of Prisons to serve his sentence. In the event he fails to surrender himself to prison, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior must take steps to ensure he is committed to prison to serve his sentence,” ruled Justice Mugambi.

The missing persons, identified as activist Robert Njagi and brothers Jamil and Aslam Longton, were last seen in Kitengela. Their families have been vocal in their pursuit of justice, alleging police involvement in the disappearances. Mr Masengeli’s repeated failure to appear in court to address these allegations has fueled frustration and calls for accountability from human rights organizations and the public. While Mr Masengeli’s legal team attempted to justify his absence by citing pressing security matters, Judge Mugambi has dismissed these arguments, emphasizing the paramount importance of respecting court orders and the rule of law.

Legal bodies including the Law Society of Kenya have lauded the decision, stating that it reinforces the importance of upholding the rule of law. The case has also brought renewed attention to the issue of enforced disappearances in Kenya. Human rights organizations have documented numerous instances of individuals vanishing under suspicious circumstances, often with allegations of police involvement. The families of the missing persons in Kitengela have expressed hope that this ruling will lead to increased scrutiny and accountability within the police force.