In a dramatic turn of events, Kenya’s acting Inspector-General of Police, Gilbert Masengeli, has been sentenced to six months in prison for brazenly defying court orders.
The High Court in Nairobi handed down the ruling after Masengeli repeatedly failed to provide crucial testimony regarding the disappearance of three men, allegedly abducted by police officers.
The police chief’s refusal to cooperate with the court has stirred outrage, with many questioning the lengths the authorities will go to cover up the abductions.
The three missing individuals were vocal supporters of the mass anti-government protests that rocked Kenya in June and July, leading human rights activists to accuse state agents of orchestrating a series of abductions aimed at silencing dissent.
Despite President William Ruto’s public promises to investigate the claims, Masengeli’s blatant disregard for the court’s authority has cast a shadow over the government’s stance.
The Law Society of Kenya, which brought the lawsuit, is demanding the safe return of the missing men, who have not been seen since August.
Judge Lawrence Mugambi, frustrated by Masengeli’s repeated absences in court, had given the police boss no fewer than seven opportunities to appear and explain the whereabouts of the missing men.
With his patience exhausted, the judge issued the jail sentence but suspended it for seven days, offering Masengeli one final chance to comply or face prison.
“If he fails to present himself to the Commissioner General of Prisons, the minister of interior must take all necessary legal steps to ensure Masengeli is incarcerated,” declared Judge Mugambi.
The defiant police chief, through his legal team, is now scrambling to have the contempt ruling overturned, claiming efforts to locate the three men are still ongoing. However, with mounting pressure from activists and the public, Masengeli’s time may be running out.
The police department, led by spokesperson Resila Onyango, has remained tight-lipped on the scandal, fueling further speculation and outrage.
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