The High Court has sentenced Acting Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli to six months in prison for contempt of court.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi has directed that Masengeli report to the Commissioner General of Prisons to begin serving his sentence.
The judge emphasized that if Masengeli fails to report to the authorities, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior must take all necessary steps to ensure his imprisonment.
“If he does not comply, the CS Interior is required to take action to ensure he is committed to prison to serve his sentence,” Justice Mugambi stated.
However, the judge also noted that Masengeli has the opportunity to avoid the prison term if he appears in court within the next seven days.
“Masengeli can redeem himself by presenting himself before this court in person to address the issues he has been evading.
If he fails to do so, the sentence will be enforced,” the judge added.
Before the sentencing, Masengeli made a final attempt to prevent the prison term.
Through his lawyers, Cecil Miller and Steve Ogolla, Masengeli expressed regret for his absence from court and reaffirmed his respect for the court’s authority.
Miller argued for the suspension of the sentence, citing the demanding nature of Masengeli’s work as the reason for his prior absences.
Despite these arguments, Justice Mugambi denied the request, stating, “As a court, I have made extensive efforts to be fair and accommodating.
I have given him ample chances and even accommodated him on the final day.”
Earlier on Monday, Masengeli was found guilty of contempt by the same court.
