Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli takes an oath at Milimani court on September 20, 2024, when he appeared folowing court summons. [Collins Kweyu, Standard]

The month-long standoff between Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli and the High Court finally rested on Friday but still raised fundamental questions on how far the country has gone to end impunity and disregard for the rule of law by senior officers in the executive.

Never before since the 2010 Constitution was enacted, had a senior police officer, in this case, an acting Inspector-General of police been summoned by a judge not once but seven times without making an appearance.

The court was demanding an explanation from the police boss on the missing of three people said to have been abducted in Kitengela by police in broad daylight a month ago.

Human rights defenders read defiance in Masengeli’s alleged reluctance to honour summons and also argued that it was an act of impunity for human rights abuse and violation of the law.

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