The High Court has issued a stern directive to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja Kirocho, demanding the immediate production of four men who went missing in Mlolongo, Machakos County, or their bodies by January 17, 2025. The ruling, delivered by High Court Judge Chacha Mwita, highlights growing public outcry over enforced disappearances in Kenya.
Court Orders IG and DCI to Appear in Person
Justice Chacha Mwita expressed frustration over the consistent absence of respondents in court, including the IG, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Attorney General. “This is beyond belief,” the judge remarked, emphasizing the lack of accountability. The court directed:
- IG Douglas Kanja must produce the missing persons, dead or alive, on January 17 at 10 a.m.
- IG Kanja and DCI Boss must attend court in person on Friday, January 19, 2025, at 10 a.m.
The four missing men, identified as Stephen Kavingo Mbisi, Paul Karani Muema, Martin Mwau Zyuko, and Justus Mutumwa Musyimi, were reportedly abducted on December 17, 2024, in Mlolongo. Their case adds to the growing list of enforced disappearances in Kenya.
Victims of Enforced Disappearances in Kenya
A disturbing trend of abductions has emerged, with over 82 individuals reported missing in recent months. The following are some of the victims:
- Daniel Kabusho – Abducted on June 18, 2024
- Peter Macharia, Emmanuel Mukuria Kamau, Charles Osewe, and Kelvin Otieno – All went missing on June 25, 2024
- Yussuf Hussain Ahmed – Abducted in broad daylight in July 2024
- Issa Osman, Nura Abdi, and Muktar Tache – Abducted on July 6, 2024, in Isiolo Town
- George Okwaro – Abducted on November 23, 2024
- Elvis Kevin Lagat and Dominic Kipng’eno Lagat – Abducted on December 5, 2023
- Issa Osman who was abducted on 6th July 2024 in Isiolo Town
- Nura Abdi who was abducted on 6th July 2024 in Isiolo Town
- Muktar Tache who was abducted on 6th July 2024 in Isiolo Town
- Stephen Kavingo Mbisi, abducted on 17th December 2024 in Mlolongo
- Paul Karani Muema, 29yo, abducted on 17th December 2024 in Mlolongo
- Martin Mwau Zyuko, 35 yrs, abducted on 17th December 2024 in Mlolongo
- Justus Mutumwa Musyimi,33yr, abducted on 17th December 2024 in Mlolongo.
- George Okwaro who was abducted on 23rd November 2024
- Elvis Kevin Lagat who was abducted on 5th December 2024
- Dominic Kipng’eno Lagat who was abducted on 5th December 2024.
Public Outcry Over Lack of Accountability
The repeated disappearances have sparked outrage among Kenyan youth, with many taking to social media to express their dissatisfaction. Using hashtags such as #EndAbductionsKE and #RutoMustGoNow, citizens are demanding accountability from IG Douglas Kanja, DCI Kenya, and other law enforcement authorities.
Government’s Responsibility Under Scrutiny
The directive by Justice Mwita underscores the judiciary’s commitment to addressing human rights violations. However, the absence of top officials, including IG Kanja and the DCI Boss, from court proceedings has further fueled public frustration.
The Way Forward
The High Court’s ruling sets a critical precedent in holding law enforcement accountable for enforced disappearances. As the January 17 deadline approaches, all eyes remain on Inspector General Douglas Kanja and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to comply with the court’s orders.
The issue of enforced disappearances continues to tarnish the image of Kenyan security agencies. Activists and human rights organizations are now calling for transparent investigations and the prosecution of those responsible.
