We cannot discuss matters before court, says Acting IG Masengeli

“We cannot discuss matters before the court” was the quick response from the Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli when asked by journalists about his reaction to being found guilty of contempt of court. 

This was the first time the acting IG was responding to the issue in person.

Speaking to the press at the Garissa police station on Wednesday as he wound up his tour of the Northeastern region, Masengeli gave a quick response before walking away.

He was accompanied by the DCI boss Mohamed Amin, James Kamau in charge of ATPU, and Said Kiprotich in charge of Special Operations among other senior police officers.

However, responding to a question on the increased cases of enforced disappearance in Garissa and other parts of the region, Masengeli said that human rights must be protected.

“Human rights must be respected, and there is a rule of law. We are in a democratic country. I will also want us to differentiate from the normal arrests and abductions," he said.

"When you are arrested by police officers and taken to the cells, investigations are launched. When the evidence allows you to be taken to the court of law then you are convicted and you are taken to prison."

The High Court on Monday found Masengeli guilty of disobeying court orders after failing to appear before it.

Justice Lawrence Mugambi said impunity and open defiance cannot be allowed and those hell-bent won't find refuge.

Masengeli was required to appear in court on Monday to explain the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of three people in Kitengela.

However, for the sixth time, he snubbed summons issued by the High Court requiring him to avail himself before the court.

Masengeli's legal team told Justice Lawrence Mugambi that the acting IG is currently engaged in operational matters in Wajir.

To demonstrate the seriousness they have taken with the case, Deputy Inspector General Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat was sent to court on his behalf.