Gilbert Masengeli: The certified fraud examiner with deep contempt for court orders

The 54-year-old police officer, who is temporarily responsible for commanding and leading the Kenya Police, has snubbed seven court summons to elucidate the whereabouts of Jamil Longton, his brother Aslam Longton, and activist Bob Njagi, who were reportedly abducted by individuals believed to be police officers on August 19, 2024, amid the nationwide Gen Z protests.

His seventh absence from court, which his legal team said was due to an engagement in operational activities in Wajir, saw him being convicted of contempt of court and is set to be sentenced on Friday.

Masengeli holds a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) says that Masengeli boasts 35 years of experience in the service which has seen him receive the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS), the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) of Kenya, and the Silver Star (SS) of Kenya and other awards.

Prior to his appointment, Masengeli was the Commandant at the National Police College, Embakasi ‘A’ Campus.

He has experience in the Special Operations Group of the Border Police Unit where he coordinated multi-agency special security operations and Assistant Inspector General of Police where he developed strategies for threat mitigation and advised on security deployments along border points. 

NPSC further noted that he holds a Master of Science in Security and Forensics Management and a Bachelor of Science in Criminology in Security Management (Cyber-Crime).

He also holds a Digital Forensic Technology option from Dedan Kimathi University, a Diploma in Criminology from Kenya Institute of Studies in Criminology Justice and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in International Relations at the United States International University (USIU).

During the hearing on Monday, lawyer Nelson Havi who represented petitioners questioned how long the court will allow the acting IG to ignore court summons at his will and even send his deputy to appear on his behalf.

Havi proposed that due to his brazen defiance, Masengeli should be convicted and ousted from office.

"At the end of this, we will ask the court to do two fundamental things; to convict the acting IG for contempt of court and to sentence him to the highest permissible legal consequence," he said.

"We want Gilbert Masengeli not to hold public office because it is not his personal property. Masengeli was attending a concert. In Kenya, a concert is treated as a matter of national importance. How shameful!"

Masengeli is holding fort awaiting the fate of Douglas Kanja Kirocho who is awaiting approval by Parliament and appointment by President William Ruto.

Kanja was the Deputy Inspector General of Police before Japhet Koome, the IG, resigned from office after public uproar lamented over police brutality on protestors during the anti-government demonstrations witnessed in June, 2024.