Acting Police IG Masengeli Appeals Court Conviction, Claims Unfair Targeting and Bias

Acting Inspector General of Police, Gilbert Masengeli, claims he has been unfairly targeted and that the court exceeded its authority by sentencing him without giving him a fair hearing. Masengeli had been summoned to court to explain the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of three individuals in Kitengela. However, he failed to appear seven times, offering various reasons for his absence.

This noncompliance angered the judge, who noted that the IG had "casually dismissed every opportunity provided by the court." The judge warned that deliberate defiance of court orders fosters impunity, especially when committed by individuals holding public office.

Masengeli has since filed an appeal, seeking to overturn his conviction and sentence, arguing that he was condemned without being heard. Represented by advocate Steve Ogolla, Masengeli contends that the judge erred in ruling that he could not send representatives to explain the failure to comply with the order regarding the missing persons.

The IG also pointed out that, according to Order 9 of the Civil Procedure Rules (2010), personal attendance was not required, as his advocates or recognized agents could appear on his behalf. He criticized the judge for ignoring his affidavit, which he claims contained evidence proving that the missing individuals were not in police custody. Additionally, Masengeli accused the judge of bias in the handling of the case.