USIU-Africa says DIG Masengeli has not met requirements for September graduation

By Cynthia Kituku

USIU-Africa has opposed Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli’s request to be included in the university’s September 26, 2026 graduation ceremony. The university told the court that Masengeli had not demonstrated that he had fulfilled all mandatory graduation requirements or completed the necessary application process. Masengeli, who enrolled for a PhD in International Relations in September 2021, argued that he had completed his coursework, examinations, dissertation proposal and submitted his dissertation for examination.

Masengeli had asked the court to either stop the graduation ceremony or compel USIU-Africa to include him among the graduates. However, Lady Justice Patricia Mande declined to stop the ceremony, noting that doing so could negatively affect other students who were not involved in the case. The judge also found that the emails presented by Masengeli did not show that the university or his supervisor had specifically promised that he would graduate with the September cohort.

Justice Mande subsequently dismissed Masengeli’s application dated September 8, with costs to be determined alongside the main petition. The court has now fast-tracked the main case, giving both sides specific timelines to file affidavits and written submissions. The matter will return to court on October 21, 2026, to confirm compliance with the directions and give further instructions on the hearing of the submissions.