Acting Inspector-General of Police Gilbert Masengeli must appear in court tomorrow. He needs to explain why he should not face penalties for ignoring a High Court directive. Justice Lawrence Mugambi has ordered Mr. Masengeli to attend the hearing in person, with no exceptions.
The court has accused Mr. Masengeli of ignoring three orders. These orders required him to report on the whereabouts of Kitengela activist Robert Bob Njagi and two brothers, Jamil and Aslam Longton. The men have been missing since August 19. There is suspicion that they were abducted by police officers. Justice Mugambi noted that Mr. Masengeli has not given an explanation for his non-compliance. The court demands his personal appearance to address the contempt charge before further proceedings.
Mr. Masengeli sent a state counsel in his place. The counsel cited official duties as the reason for his absence. The counsel also said the relatives of the missing men reported their abduction by unknown individuals at Kitengela police station. They did not specifically accuse the police.
Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo rejected this explanation. She has called for a warrant for Mr. Masengeli’s arrest. She also wants him cited for contempt of court, arguing that his absence shows serious disrespect for the court. The Attorney-General has asked for more time to file an affidavit on the circumstances of the disappearance. The LSK maintains that the men were taken by police officers and moved in unregistered vehicles to unknown locations.
