LSK seeks arrest warrant for Acting IG Masengeli over disappearance of Kitengela activist, siblings

The Law Society of a Kenya (LSK) is now seeking a warrant of arrest for Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli for failing to appear in court to disclose the whereabouts of three individuals who went missing in Kitengela two weeks ago.

Activist Bob Njagi and brothers Jamil and Aslay Longton disappeared without a trace on August 19, with reports indicating they were forcibly taken away by unknown assailants, who are presumed to be government operatives, following the recent anti-government demonstrations.

The LSK subsequently filed a lawsuit against the IG over the abductions.

On August 26, the court called for the unconditional release of the abducted persons and ordered the police boss to avail himself and explain why the initial orders regarding the missing individuals were not respected.

Despite the summons, Masengeli did not appear in court on Tuesday. Instead, he was represented by a lawyer who informed the court that the IG was unable to attend due to official duties.

He added that a file had been opened at Kitengela Police Station regarding the missing persons.

LSK President Faith Odhiambo however objected the claims, arguing that Masengeli is in contempt for failing to appear for the case's mentioning.

"They are showing no intention of honouring the court orders. The purported official  duties (Masengeli is on)  are not important than human lives," she said.

The LSK's legal representatives also maintained that no evidence was presented in court to corroborate Masengeli's reason for missing the hearing.  They subsequently requested that an arrest warrant be issued against the IG.

Prior to the hearing, Odhiambo had demanded that the Acting IG produce activist Njagi and the Longton brothers.

In a heavily worded statement issued on August 30, Odhiambo condemned the incidents and tasked the IG with conducting thorough investigations into the disappearances of the trio and to 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 on the ongoing abductions; and immediate action to deter any further abductions as we shall not sit back and allow the country to fall back to the dark days politically sanctioned killings and disappearances,” she stated then.