Police boss Masengeli a no-show in court amid queries over abducted trio
Acting Police Inspector-General Gilbert Masengeli.
What you need to know:
- Jamil Longton Hashim, Aslam Longton and Bob Michemi Njagi were kidnapped on August 19, 2024.
- LSK President Faith Odhiambo urged Justice Mugambi to issue a warrant of arrest against Mr Masengeli.
The High Court has ordered the acting Inspector-General of Police Gilbert Masengeli to appear in court on Thursday to purge contempt of court and also to explain the whereabouts of three men who were abducted in Kitengela by persons believed to be police officers.
The court order was issued on Tuesday evening after Masengeli failed to turn up in court to explain the whereabouts of the three missing men, among them two brothers.
The men — Jamil Longton Hashim, his brother Aslam Longton and activist Bob Michemi Njagi — were kidnapped on Monday August 19, 2024. The day before their abduction, Hashim and Njagi had hosted a X Space talk show on the state of the nation and devolution.
From left: Longton Jamil, his younger brother Aslam Longton and activist Bob Njagi who have been reported missing.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi noted that Masengeli has defied three court orders.
"The IG has not explained to this court why he failed to comply with the court orders. l order that he appears in person to purge the contempt before this case proceeds further," Justice Mugambi ordered.
A State lawyer told the court that Mr Masengeli is out office on official duty and could not attend the session.
Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo urged Justice Lawrence Mugambi to issue a warrant of arrest against Mr Masengeli and cite him for contempt.
"I urge this court to stamp its authority and cite the IG for contempt of court," she said.
Meanwhile, State counsel said relatives of the missing persons made a report at Kitengela Police Station that their kin were abducted by unknown persons.
"Reports indicate that the three were abducted by unknown people...they did not say it was the police who abducted them," the state counsel explained.
The AG, through State counsel, sought time to file an affidavit explaining the issue of the three missing men.
However, the LSK disagreed with the averment, saying the OCS Kitengela confirmed to the Daily Nation that they were holding Mr Njagi.
The LSK maintained that it is only police who bundle suspects in unregistered Subaru cars.
Justice Mugambi is set to give directions whether to arrest Mr Masengeli or not.
