By Dorothy Musyoka
Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli has publicly apologized to the court and the Judiciary for events that led to his recent conviction and sentencing.
Speaking before Justice Lawrence Mugambi at Milimani Law Courts, Masengeli clarified that his actions were not deliberate but were a result of pressing national security matters in Northern Kenya that required his full attention.
“I would like to apologize to the lordship and the Judiciary,for the events that have transpired meeting to the orders of this court,” said DIG Masengeli.
“My Lord I respect you and all our courts for the good work you do to uphold the rule of law. As a police officer, it is my duty to enforce court orders and ensure that court orders are obeyed,” stated Masengeli.
During his testimony, Masengeli highlighted the efforts made by the police concerning the disappearance of the three individuals from Kitengela, a matter that had drawn significant public attention.
He affirmed that the police had not detained the individuals and that investigations into their disappearance were ongoing.
In a surprising development, advocate Nelson Havi informed the court earlier that morning that the missing individuals had been found, a revelation Masengeli said he was unaware of until it was mentioned in court.
Masengeli concluded his statement by expressing hope that the court would accept his apology and vacate his conviction and sentence.
“I pray my Lord, accept my apology, vacates conviction and sentence, so I pray my Lord,” he added.
Masengeli was handed a six-term jail on September 13 for contempt of court however the sentence was suspended for seven days to give him a chance to appear personally to explain the whereabouts of three political activists alleged to be abducted in Kitengela.
The court is expected to deliberate on the matter and provide further direction in due course.