Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli sentenced to six months in prison for contempt of court.

Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli has been sentenced to six months in prison for contempt of court. The sentence was delivered on Friday by Justice Lawrence Mugambi after Masengeli failed to respond to seven consecutive court summonses.

The court had repeatedly summoned Masengeli to explain the disappearance of three individuals—Jamil Longton, his brother Aslam Longton, and activist Bob Njagi—who were allegedly abducted by people believed to be police officers during the Gen Z-led anti-government protests on August 19, 2024.

Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli sentenced to six months in prison for contempt of court.

Justice Mugambi, in his ruling, ordered that Masengeli surrender himself to the Commissioner General of Prisons to begin serving his sentence. Should he fail to do so, the judge directed that the Cabinet Secretary for Interior enforce the imprisonment order. However, the court granted Masengeli a brief reprieve.

"The court finds it desirable to impose this sentence as a coercive order, not a punitive one," Justice Mugambi stated. "In this regard, Mr. Masengeli may avoid serving the sentence if he redeems himself by complying with the court order. The sentence is suspended for seven days, during which he must present himself in person before this court."

Masengeli's legal troubles stem from his refusal to respond to the court's summons regarding the missing individuals. Despite being called upon seven times, the police chief persistently ignored the orders, leading to his conviction.

Justice Mugambi emphasized that this suspension gives Masengeli a final opportunity to answer for the allegations he's been avoiding. If the acting IG fails to comply within the allotted time, the six-month sentence will automatically take effect.

This case has sparked widespread public interest, with many viewing it as a test of accountability for law enforcement officials in the face of increasing scrutiny over police conduct.