A Nairobi court has ordered acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli, to appear by 3 pm Thursday or be punished.
The acting IG failed to appear in court as expected to explain the allegation of disobeying court orders.
This is the 5th time that he has failed to attend court to explain the abduction of 3 men in Kitengela, two weeks ago.
The court was told that the Acting IG was away for a workshop in Mombasa and could therefore not attend court.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi said he would give him a chance to defend himself before stipulating the consequences of disobeying court orders.
“The court has to assert its authority on maintenance of rule of law where deliberate disobedience of its orders has been demonstrated. However, this is a power that must be exercised with utmost care,” said Mugambi.
The Judge was informed by his legal team that he was away on official business.
But the LSK, through its leader Faith Odhiambo, said the IG was still in contempt after being summoned to appear in court.
“They are showing no intention of complying with the court’s orders. The alleged official duties are not more important than human lives,” she said.
Odhiambo argued that the IG had not produced any evidence to show that he was out of town.
She wanted a warrant of arrest issued against him.
“He disrespected the court by ignoring the Bill of Rights. The families of the petitioners have not seen or heard anything about their relatives, they are dismayed,” she added.
Judge Mugambi agreed with the LSK that every person is entitled to rights and fundamental freedoms.
He said it was the duty of the state to protect the rights and fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Bill of Rights.
“This is a country run by the rule of law, not by the minds of men. The court has teeth and it can bite. Those who deliberately ignore court orders must be prepared to face the consequences,” the judge said.
However, he gave the IG an opportunity to defend himself before issuing further orders.
