Acting Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli has broken silence over snubbing court summons and his subsequent conviction by the high court.
Speaking to the press during his security tour in Wajir, Masengeli acknowledged the ongoing court case against him.
However, he was focusing on his duties instead of sharing his opinion on the ongoing court case.
Further, the acting IG explained that was in Wajir, alongside other security officers to determine the cause of increased crime in the area.
“Matters that are before court we do not comment. We have come to this area because of security assessment with other security agencies, and the reason why is to ensure cause of the risen instances of crime that had happened,” he said.
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High Court Finds Masengeli Guilty
On Monday, September 9, the High Court found the Acting police IG guilty of disobeying court orders.
According to Justice Lawrence Mugambi, Masengeli showed impunity, and open defiance which could not be allowed.
Moreover, Masengeli was required to appear in court to explain the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of three people in Kitengela on August 19.
However, like the several summons before that, he failed to show up. Instead, he sent DIG Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat to represent him saying he was in Wajir over security matters.
“Masengeli is guilty of contempt and the court ought to punish him accordingly,” said the Judge.
Also, Justice Lawrence Mugambi summoned the commandant of the SGB/VIP unit Lazarus Opicho to explain why he called his bodyguard and his driver to establish his whereabouts.
Also Read: Matiang’i Among 5 High Profile Leaders Who Disobeyed Court Orders
Lawyers Move to Have him Dismissed
On the other hand, former Law Society President Nelson Havi revealed that the legal fraternity is moving to have Masengeli fired after his conviction.
According to Havi, a petition will be submitted before the National Police Service, to remove Masengeli for gross misconduct and violation of the constitution.
“One judge is all we need to do this thing right. We are very deliberate as the legal fraternity and what we plan to do on Friday after Gilbert Masengeli has been sentences, irrespective of the sentence, we will move to have him removed as a senior police officer and a police officer for that matter.
“Let him be stripped of the protection he enjoys as a uniformed police officer. When that happens, we will make sure he takes responsibility personally, for the disappearance of the three.
“As we speak, we do not know whether they are alive or death. But the right of life issued by the constitution must be given full effect.”
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