Deputy Inspector General of Police, Gilbert Masengeli, appeared in court on Friday, September 20th, seeking to avoid a six-month jail sentence related to the disappearance of three Kenyans, two brothers and an activist, who were allegedly abducted by police at Kitengela on August 19, 2024.

Masengeli, represented by a legal team led by Attorney General Dorcus Oduor, along with advocates Cecil Miller and Steve Ogolla, appeared before the High Court after a previous sentence was suspended for seven days. The court had convicted Masengeli on September 9, 2024, after he failed to produce the missing individuals as ordered.

In his defense, Masengeli cited operational challenges, including his involvement in security operations in Northern Kenya and the Coast, as reasons for missing court sessions. He admitted his absence but emphasized it was not intentional. In an affidavit, Masengeli apologized to the court, affirming his respect for its authority and promising full cooperation moving forward.

“I humbly apologize to this Honorable Court for breaking orders and undertake to comply in the future. I restate and reaffirm my respect to the honorable court and the need to protect and preserve the dignity and authority of the honorable court,” read the affidavit.

The case gained public attention when the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) filed a petition on behalf of the three missing individuals. They were allegedly abducted in Kitengela on August 19, 2024, by individuals believed to be police officers. The court had issued habeas corpus orders for Masengeli to produce them, which he failed to do, leading to his contempt of court sentence.

Njagi and the Longton brothers were found alive on Friday morning, hours before Masengeli’s court appearance.

Masengeli now awaits further court directives as he seeks to clear his contempt charge.