In a surprising legal development, Kenya’s acting Inspector-General of Police, Gilbert Masengeli, has been sentenced to six months in prison for contempt of court.
The High Court in Nairobi issued the ruling after Masengeli repeatedly refused to provide key testimony regarding the disappearance of three men, who were allegedly abducted by police officers.
The case has sparked widespread outrage, with critics accusing authorities of attempting to cover up the abductions.
The missing men were vocal supporters of mass anti-government protests that took place in June and July, leading human rights activists to suspect that state agents are behind a string of enforced disappearances aimed at suppressing dissent.
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Despite President William Ruto’s assurances that the claims of abductions would be investigated, Masengeli’s blatant disregard for the court’s authority has cast doubt on the government’s commitment to justice.
The Law Society of Kenya, which initiated the lawsuit, is demanding the safe return of the missing men, who have not been seen since August.
Judge Lawrence Mugambi, who presided over the case, expressed frustration with Masengeli’s refusal to appear in court, despite being given seven chances to explain the situation.
In response to his noncompliance, the judge handed down the six-month sentence but suspended it for seven days, offering Masengeli one final opportunity to cooperate with the court.
“If he fails to present himself to the Commissioner General of Prisons, the minister of interior must take all necessary legal steps to ensure Masengeli is incarcerated,” Judge Mugambi warned.
Masengeli’s legal team is now scrambling to overturn the contempt ruling, arguing that efforts to locate the missing men are ongoing.
However, with growing pressure from human rights activists and the public, Masengeli’s time to comply with the court’s orders may be running out.
Meanwhile, the police department, led by spokesperson Resila Onyango, has remained silent on the matter, further fueling public anger and speculation.
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