The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) is pushing for the arrest of Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli after he failed to appear in court to disclose the whereabouts of three individuals who went missing in Kitengela.
Activist Bob Njagi and brothers Jamil and Aslay Longton have been missing since August 19, with reports suggesting they were forcibly taken by unidentified individuals suspected to be linked to the government following recent anti-government protests.
In response to the abductions, the LSK filed a lawsuit against Masengeli. On August 26, the court ordered the unconditional release of the missing individuals and summoned the police chief to explain his failure to comply with the court's orders.
Despite the summons, Masengeli did not attend the court session on Tuesday. Instead, his lawyer represented him, citing official duties as the reason for his absence. The lawyer also informed the court that a file regarding the missing persons had been opened at Kitengela Police Station.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo objected to these claims, arguing that Masengeli’s failure to appear in court showed contempt and disregard for the importance of human life.
Odhiambo emphasized that the LSK's legal team had not seen evidence supporting Masengeli's reason for missing the hearing. Consequently, they requested the court to issue an arrest warrant against the Acting Inspector General.
Before the hearing, Odhiambo had called for Masengeli to produce the missing activist and the Longton brothers.
In a statement on August 30, she condemned the abductions and urged the Inspector General to conduct thorough investigations into the disappearances and hold those responsible accountable. She stressed that the country must not return to an era of politically motivated killings and enforced disappearances.
The LSK continues to demand immediate action to prevent further abductions and ensure justice for the victims.
