The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) is intensifying its efforts to hold Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli accountable over the mysterious disappearance of activist Bob Njagi and brothers Jamil and Aslay Longton in Kitengela. The trio went missing on August 19 under suspicious circumstances, with reports suggesting that they were forcibly taken by unknown assailants believed to be government operatives. This incident occurred amidst a wave of anti-government demonstrations, raising concerns about politically motivated abductions.
In response to the abductions, LSK filed a lawsuit against Acting IG Masengeli, demanding transparency and accountability regarding the whereabouts of the missing individuals. The case took a significant turn on August 26 when the court ordered the unconditional release of Njagi and the Longton brothers. Additionally, the court summoned Masengeli to appear and explain why initial orders concerning the missing persons had not been complied with. However, Masengeli failed to attend the court session on Tuesday, opting to send a legal representative who cited official duties as the reason for his absence.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo vehemently objected to the explanation provided by Masengeli’s lawyer, arguing that the Acting IG’s failure to appear in court demonstrated contempt for the judicial process and a disregard for human rights. Odhiambo stressed that the purported official duties cited by Masengeli were not more important than the lives of the missing individuals. “They are showing no intention of honouring the court orders. The purported official duties are not more important than human lives,” Odhiambo stated.
The LSK’s legal team also pointed out that no substantial evidence was presented to justify Masengeli’s absence from the court hearing. As a result, LSK called for an arrest warrant to be issued against the Acting IG, citing his failure to comply with court directives and his lack of cooperation in addressing the urgent matter of the disappearances.
LSK President Odhiambo has been vocal in her condemnation of the abductions, describing them as a severe violation of human rights and a disturbing reminder of Kenya’s past struggles with politically sanctioned violence and disappearances. In a statement issued on August 30, Odhiambo demanded that the Acting IG take immediate action to locate and produce the missing individuals, as well as to conduct thorough investigations to bring those responsible to justice. “The LSK demands the immediate production of Mr. Bob Micheni Njagi, Mr. Jamil Longton, and Mr. Aslay Longton by the Inspector General of Police; thorough investigations on the ongoing abductions; and immediate action to deter any further abductions as we shall not sit back and allow the country to fall back to the dark days of politically sanctioned killings and disappearances,” she stated.
The disappearance of Njagi and the Longton brothers has sparked public outrage and fear, particularly among activists and those involved in anti-government demonstrations. The incident is seen as part of a troubling pattern of enforced disappearances that many suspect are linked to state operatives aiming to suppress dissent.
The ongoing legal battle between the LSK and the police leadership underscores the tensions between civil society and government institutions over human rights abuses in Kenya. LSK’s demand for an arrest warrant against Masengeli sends a strong message about the importance of accountability and respect for the rule of law, especially by those in positions of power.
As the legal proceedings continue, the families of the missing individuals and the broader Kenyan public await answers and justice. The LSK remains firm in its commitment to pursuing all legal avenues to ensure that the disappearances are addressed, and those responsible are held accountable. The outcome of this case will not only impact the missing individuals and their families but will also set a precedent for how such cases are handled in the future, particularly in a politically charged environment.
