Acting IG Masengeli Sentenced to Six Months for Contempt of Court
Acting IG Masengeli Sentenced to Six Months for Contempt of Court

The High Court has sentenced Acting Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli to six months in prison for contempt of court.

Justice Lawrence Mugambi issued the ruling, directing that Masengeli report to the Commissioner General of Prisons.

“If he fails to report himself, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior must ensure that he is committed to prison to serve his sentence,” the Judge stated.

However, Justice Mugambi noted that Masengeli could avoid serving the sentence if he appears in court within the next seven days.

“Masengeli has the opportunity to redeem himself by appearing before this court in person to address the issues he has been avoiding. If he does not comply, the sentence will be enforced,” the Judge added.

Before the sentencing, Masengeli made a last-minute attempt to halt the process.

Through his advocates Cecil Miller and Steve Ogolla, he expressed regret for his non-attendance and reaffirmed his respect for the court’s authority.

Miller requested a suspension of the sentence, citing Masengeli’s work commitments as the reason for his absence.

Judge Mugambi rejected the request, emphasizing, “As a court, I have done more than necessary to accommodate him. I provided ample opportunities and even made allowances on the final day.”

Earlier on Monday, Masengeli was found guilty of contempt for failing to appear in court to explain the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of three individuals in Kitengela since August 19.

Despite multiple court summons, Masengeli did not attend, sending Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat in his place, claiming he was in Wajir on security matters.

In his ruling, Judge Mugambi criticized Masengeli for holding the court “at ransom,” noting that the court is unable to ascertain the fate of the petitioners due to his continued non-compliance.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.