NAIROBI, Kenya – Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli has moved to court seeking to halt the upcoming graduation ceremony at United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) amid a dispute over the assessment of his PhD dissertation.
Masengeli, who is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in International Relations at USIU-Africa, has challenged the university’s handling of his dissertation as he seeks to complete the requirements for the doctoral degree.
The National Police Service Commission confirms that he is currently enrolled in the programme.
The dispute comes ahead of USIU-Africa’s scheduled September 26 graduation, which Masengeli wants the court to stop pending determination of his case.
Masengeli challenges dissertation assessment
The police boss says he had completed his coursework and obtained the necessary approvals from the relevant university board before proceeding to defend his dissertation.
His court action centres on the subsequent assessment of his dissertation and the marks awarded during the process.
Masengeli is seeking judicial intervention as he contests what he considers irregularities in the handling of his doctoral work.
DIG wants graduation halted
The application seeks orders stopping USIU-Africa from proceeding with the September graduation ceremony before the dispute over his academic status is resolved.
The case places the university’s academic assessment process under scrutiny as the court considers the competing positions of Masengeli and the institution.
The university is expected to respond to the claims as the matter proceeds.
Masengeli has pursued advanced studies while in police service
Masengeli has combined his senior policing career with postgraduate studies.
According to his official profile at the National Police Service Commission, he holds a Master of Science in Security and Forensics Management and a bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Security Management, among other qualifications. He is currently pursuing his PhD at USIU-Africa.
The senior police officer has served in several leadership positions within the National Police Service, including as Commandant of the National Police College Embakasi ‘A’ campus and in the Special Operations Group.
Court battle puts USIU graduation in focus
The legal dispute comes just days before USIU-Africa is expected to hold its graduation ceremony.
The court will hear the parties before determining whether to grant the orders sought by the police boss.
