Masengeli a no-show again as court orders him to appear

Law Society of Kenya calls for severe action against the Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli for failing to appear before court.

Masengeli was scheduled to appear in court on Thursday to explain the abduction of three men in Kitengela two weeks ago.

His Advocate Wanjiku Mwangi told the court that he was at a workshop in Mombasa and could therefore not attend court.

Justice Lawrence Mugambi was dismayed that Masengeli opted to attend a workshop in Mombasa instead of coming to court to provide information on the case of three missing individuals.

"The court doesn't see why Masengeli didn't prioritise the court order and chose to go for the workshop," he said.

Wanjiku requested that the court grant Masengeli an extension until Monday.

However, Justice Mugambi rejected the request, emphasising that the case was of significant concern due to its impact on the liberty and safety of Kenyan citizens whose whereabouts are still unknown.

" IG has the ultimate responsibility to protect every Kenyan. I leave it to him to consider if he will present himself before the court. By 3 pm, if he doesn't appear, the court will proceed to pronounce itself," he added.

On Tuesday, LSK sought a warrant of arrest for Masengeli for failing to appear in court to disclose the whereabouts of three individuals who went missing.

Activist Bob Njagi and brothers Jamil and Aslay Longton disappeared without a trace on August 19, 2024,  with reports indicating they were forcibly taken away by unknown assailants, who are presumed to be government operatives, following the recent anti-government demonstrations.

The LSK subsequently filed a lawsuit against the IG over the abductions.

On August 26, the court called for the unconditional release of the abducted persons and ordered the police boss to avail himself and explain why the initial orders regarding the missing individuals were not respected.

Despite the summons, Masengeli did not appear in court on Tuesday. Instead, he was represented by a lawyer who informed the court that the IG was unable to attend due to official duties.

Justice Lawrence Mungambi postponed the ruling after protesters interrupted proceedings before he made the ruling. He says the IG has the opportunity to appear in court on September 12 at 10 am when he will make the ruling.