The High Court has imposed a six-month prison sentence on Acting Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli after he was found guilty of contempt of court.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi directed that Masengeli report to the commissioner general of prisons.
“In event he doesn’t submit himself CS Interior must take all steps to ensure he is committed to prison to serve sentence,” said the Judge.
However, Mugambi indicated that Masengeli could avoid serving time if he reports to court within the next seven days.
“Masengeli can redeem himself by availing himself before this court in person to answer to the issues which he has been avoiding. Failure to do so will result in the sentence taking effect,” the Judge stated.
Before the sentencing, Masengeli made a final attempt to avert his punishment.
Through his lawyers, Cecil Miller and Steve Ogolla, he expressed regret over his absence from court.
After missing several summons, Masengeli today reiterated his respect for the court and its authority.
Miller appealed to the Judge to suspend the sentence, arguing that Masengeli was genuinely unable to attend due to his duties.
The Judge rejected this plea, stating, “As a court I wouldn’t want to be unfair to anyone. I’ve done more than I could to accommodate him. I gave him more than fair chances. I even accommodated him on the last day.”
Earlier this week, he was found guilty of contempt by the same court.
Masengeli was summoned to explain the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of three individuals in Kitengela, who went missing on August 19.
Despite multiple summons, Masengeli did not comply.
On Monday, he sent Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat to represent him, citing his presence in Wajir for security matters.
However, Mugambi stated in his brief ruling that the Acting IG has effectively held the court at ransom, making it impossible to ascertain the fate of the petitioners.
