The High Court in Nairobi on Friday set aside its initial decision to sentence Deputy Inspector General of Police, Gilbert Masengeli to six months in prison.
While delivering the ruling, Justice Lawrence Mugambi acknowledged Masengeli’s apology tendered before the court during the hearing.
The judge stated he was convinced by Masengeli’s apology and the turn of events after the top cop was cross-examined by advocates.
“The intention of the court was not to punish Masengeli for the sake of it but to ensure that the sentence restores the dignity and the authority of this court,” stated Justice Mugambi.
High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi.
Photo
File
“It is not the work of the court to punish a genuinely remorseful man,” the judge added.
Following the ruling, Justice Lawrence Mugambi announced the decision to recuse himself from the case citing personal reasons.Â
The court’s decision comes barely an hour after the police boss expressed remorse over contempt of court after which he pleaded for forgiveness.
“I apologise to the court for the events that have transpired leading to the orders of this court. My lord, I respect you for the good work that you do to uphold the rule of law. I pray that this court accepts my apology,” pleaded the police DIG.
While tendering his apology, the Deputy Inspector General distanced himself from links to the abduction of three activists kidnapped in Kitengela back in August.
Masengeli claimed he only learned about the release of Bob Njagi, Jamil Longton and his brother Aslam Longton during the court proceedings.
“I don’t know them (Kitengela three), I knew them when it was recorded at Kitengela Police Station and circulated by the OCS,” Masengeli told the court.
“What I know is that investigations are still ongoing and up to the time I was coming to the court, they had not been found,” he added.Â
Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli in a meeting with Dr Chandaria at his office on August 9, 2024
Photo
NPS
