High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi has sentenced the acting Inspector General of Police to six months in prison for failing to appear in court despite being summoned numerous times.
Justice Mugambi while delivering the conviction stated that impunity and open defiance would not be tolerated, and those who continue such behaviour will face consequences.
Masengeli had been ordered to appear in court to explain the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of three individuals from Kitengela, who went missing on August 19.
Despite multiple summons from the court, Masengeli failed to appear and instead sent Acting Deputy Inspector General, Lagat, to represent him, claiming he was in Wajir on security-related matters.
In his ruling, Justice Mugambi criticised Masengeli’s actions, saying that his refusal to attend court had hindered the judicial process and made it impossible for the court to determine the fate of the missing persons.
“Masengeli is guilty of contempt, and the court must impose appropriate punishment,” said Justice Mugambi.
In addition, the judge summoned Lazarus Opicho, the commandant of the SGB/VIP unit, to explain why he had contacted Masengeli’s bodyguard and driver to inquire about his whereabouts.
“We need to understand the reason for such an inquiry,” the judge stated.
This directive was given following a case filed by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK). However, the order was never complied with, leading to the court’s continued summons of Masengeli.
The LSK alleges that the three individuals were abducted by armed police officers and held incommunicado at undisclosed locations.
