The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) is calling for a warrant of arrest for Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli following his failure to appear in court regarding the disappearance of three individuals in Kitengela.
Activist Bob Njagi and brothers Jamil and Aslay Longton were reported missing on August 19, with indications that they may have been forcibly taken by unknown assailants, presumed to be government operatives, after recent anti-government protests.
On August 26, the court ordered the unconditional release of the missing persons and mandated the Acting IG to appear and explain why the initial orders concerning their disappearance had not been complied with.
Despite this order, Masengeli did not appear in court on Tuesday, sending a representative who claimed that the IG was unavailable due to official duties.
The representative also mentioned that a file had been opened at Kitengela Police Station concerning the missing individuals.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo challenged these claims, arguing that Masengeli’s absence demonstrated contempt for the court’s orders.
She emphasized that official duties should not take precedence over human lives.
“The purported official duties that Masengeli is involved in are not more significant than the lives of these individuals,” Odhiambo stated.
She criticized the lack of evidence provided to justify Masengeli’s absence and called for an arrest warrant to be issued.
Prior to the hearing, Odhiambo had demanded that the Acting IG produce Njagi and the Longton brothers.
On August 30, she condemned the disappearances and urged the IG to conduct thorough investigations and hold those responsible accountable.
“The LSK demands the immediate production of Mr. Bob Micheni Njagi, Mr. Jamil Longton, and Mr. Aslam Longton by the Inspector General of Police; thorough investigations into the ongoing abductions; and decisive action to prevent further disappearances. We will not tolerate a return to politically motivated violence and disappearances,” Odhiambo declared.
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