The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has urged citizens to take action against Deputy Inspector General of Administration Police, Gilbert Masengeli, following a court ruling that sentenced him to six months in jail for contempt of court.
This sentence, handed down on September 13, was suspended to give Masengeli a chance to provide information regarding the whereabouts of three political activists allegedly abducted in Kitengela.
The KHRC’s call for a citizen’s arrest underscores mounting frustrations among the public regarding the perceived impunity of state officials.
“We urge the public to initiate a citizen’s arrest of Masengeli if CS Kindiki fails to take action,” the commission stated, emphasizing the critical importance of adherence to court orders in advancing civil liberties in the country. Their appeal reflects a broader concern about the erosion of judicial authority and the protection of human rights in Kenya.
Masengeli’s legal team, comprising lawyers Cecil Miller and Steve Ogolla, has indicated their client’s willingness to comply with the court’s directives to avoid imprisonment. They communicated to Justice Chacha Mwita that Masengeli could appear in court between 12 PM and 2 PM. However, Justice Mwita noted the absence of Justice Lawrence Mugambi, who is overseeing the case, which has delayed immediate proceedings.
The situation escalated when the Court of Appeal denied Masengeli’s request to suspend his sentence pending a hearing. The three-judge bench, which includes Justices Aggrey Muchelule, Gatembu Kairu, and Weldon Korir, has scheduled a hearing for next week, allowing both parties to submit their responses. This ruling has added to the anxiety surrounding Masengeli’s future and the fate of the missing activists, whose disappearance has sparked widespread concern.
Public sentiment is increasingly agitated as citizens demand accountability and justice. The KHRC’s strong stance reflects a significant shift in public advocacy, pushing ordinary citizens to take a stand against perceived injustices. “The public must not be passive in the face of lawlessness,” the KHRC noted, urging community members to assert their rights in the pursuit of justice.
