Kenya’s acting chief of police, Gilbert Masengeli, was sentenced to six months in prison on Friday for defying court orders.
The High Court in Nairobi issued the sentence after Masengeli repeatedly failed to testify about the whereabouts of three men allegedly abducted by police.
Judge Lawrence Mugambi suspended the sentence for seven days, allowing Masengeli a final opportunity to appear in court before reporting to jail.
The case arises from a lawsuit filed by the Law Society of Kenya, demanding the release of three men allegedly taken by police in August.
The men had been vocal on social media in support of anti-government protests earlier this year. Human rights groups have reported numerous abductions related to these protests.
President William Ruto has pledged to investigate the accusations, though he has defended the actions of state security services.
Judge Mugambi had previously ordered Masengeli to appear in court seven times to provide information on the men’s whereabouts.
“If Masengeli fails to comply, the Interior Minister must ensure his commitment to prison,” Mugambi stated in his order.
Police spokeswoman Resila Onyango did not respond to requests for comment.
Masengeli’s lawyers have requested a suspension of the contempt verdict, citing ongoing efforts to locate the missing men.
