For the seventh time, acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli has failed to respond to a court summons concerning the abduction of three men in Kitengela. The state counsel informed the court on Monday that Masengeli was engaged in official duties in Wajir and unable to attend.
Masengeli’s no-show follows a previous request for an extension to appear, citing his duties in Mombasa, which he failed to honor. This pattern of defiance has raised concerns, with lawyer Nelson Havi representing the petitioners questioning how long the court would permit Masengeli to ignore the summons.
Havi urged the court to consider holding Masengeli in contempt, arguing that his consistent refusal to appear undermines justice. “At the end of this, we will ask the court to convict the acting IG for contempt of court and impose the highest permissible legal consequence,” Havi said. He further suggested that Masengeli should be removed from office, as his actions indicate disregard for the law.
The petitioners are seeking answers about the disappearance of three men: Jamil Longton, his brother Aslam Longton, and activist Bob Njagi, who were reportedly abducted on August 19, 2024, during the Gen Z protests. The men are believed to have been taken by individuals posing as police officers, leading to public outcry and demands for accountability.
Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Faith Odhiambo supported Havi’s stance, pointing out that Masengeli’s claims of being unavailable for official duty are questionable. “The acting IG was at the coast last week taking pictures instead of complying with court orders,” Odhiambo remarked.
Masengeli has been ordered to appear in court again, with growing pressure for him to explain the incident and comply with judicial orders.
