Acting Inspector General of Police (IG) Gilbert Masengeli, 55, has been found guilty of contempt of court for repeatedly ignoring summons related to the disappearance of three people in Kitengela.
Despite sending Deputy IG Eliud Lagat in his place, Masengeli has failed to appear in court seven times. Lagat claimed Masengeli was in Wajir on security matters.
High Court Justice Lawrence Mugambi condemned the defiance, stating, “Impunity and open defiance cannot be allowed, and those hell-bent won’t find refuge.”
“The IG has held the court at ransom, and it is no longer able to ascertain what could have happened to the petitioners. Masengeli is guilty of contempt, and the court ought to punish him accordingly.”
In addition, the judge has summoned Lazarus Opicho, the commandant of the SGB/VIP unit, to explain why he contacted his bodyguard and driver to locate Masengeli. “We need to know the reasons for such an inquiry,” Mugambi said.
Sentencing for Masengeli and explanations from Opicho are set for Friday, September 13.
By Vivian K.