Ugenya Member of Parliament David Ochieng’ has issued a stern ultimatum to acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli, threatening to present a censure motion in the National Assembly if Masengeli does not resign by the end of Tuesday, September 17, 2024.
“If that gentleman does not resign by the end of the day today, I, David Ochieng’, will take a censure motion to parliament for his removal from office. He must leave office. That should not even be debated,” Ochieng’ stated during an appearance on Citizen TV’s Daybreak Show.
Ochieng’ argued that Masengeli has proven to be untrustworthy and rogue, making him unsuitable to lead the Kenyan police force and protect citizens. “We cannot have Masengeli going back as IG, it’s unquestionable,” the MP declared.
Ochieng’ pointed to Masengeli’s repeated defiance of court orders as evidence of his unsuitability for the role, referring to his failure to attend seven court summonses. “We are dealing with a decay in legal order and generally a free-for-all system that must be stopped immediately. If we don’t do this now, why would you expect someone who is found stealing or murdering to obey the law?” he asked.
The legislator urged the National Police Service Council (NPSC) and the Ministry of Interior to take immediate action to prevent further damage to public trust in the security apparatus. “They must take action forthwith. This cannot be allowed to stand even for a single day. Masengeli is not acting on his own. There must be someone telling him to stay put,” Ochieng’ noted.
Masengeli had been summoned to court to report on the whereabouts of Bob Njagi, Jamil Longton, and his brother Aslam Longton, who disappeared on August 19, 2024, allegedly abducted by police during the Gen Z-led anti-government protests. Despite being summoned seven times, Masengeli’s team claimed he was attending to critical matters.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi on Friday sentenced acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli to six months in prison after finding him guilty of contempt of court. The High Court judge directed Masengeli to present himself to the Commissioner General of Prisons.
“In the event he doesn’t submit himself, the CS Interior must take all steps to ensure he is committed to prison to serve the sentence,” stated Justice Mugambi.
However, the judge also noted that Masengeli could avoid serving the sentence if he appears in court within seven days. Failure to do so would result in the sentence taking effect.
