The Court of Appeal has rejected acting Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli’s application to overturn a six-month prison sentence imposed by the High Court. Masengeli sought to have the sentence quashed, arguing that Justice Lawrence Mugambi had condemned him without granting him a proper hearing. He claimed that his right to a fair trial was violated and that the ruling was issued without considering his defense.
The High Court had sentenced Masengeli to six months in prison after finding him in contempt of court, following accusations of failing to comply with a previous court order. Masengeli’s legal team moved to the Court of Appeal, requesting an urgent stay of the sentence pending the hearing of his appeal. However, the appellate court declined to grant this stay, stating that the full hearing of the appeal will proceed next week as scheduled.
This development adds a significant layer to Masengeli’s ongoing legal battle, as he continues to challenge the contempt ruling and the prison sentence. The upcoming appeal hearing will provide an opportunity for Masengeli to argue his case before a panel of appellate judges, potentially altering the outcome of the sentence.
