Two brothers who were abducted in Kitengela over a month ago have been found alive, according to Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo. The brothers, Jamil Longton, 42, and Aslam Longton, 36, were discovered in Gachie on Friday morning. However, the whereabouts of Bob Njagi, a coordinator of the Free Kenya Movement who was abducted with them, remain unknown.
The trio went missing in mid-August, sparking national concern and allegations of police involvement in their disappearance. Their discovery has raised further questions about the incident, particularly regarding the fate of Njagi, who is still missing.
Brothers Found, But Questions Remain
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, LSK President Faith Odhiambo expressed relief at the safe return of the two brothers.
“I am informed that Jamil Longton and his brother Aslam were dumped at the Gachie border of Kiambu and Nairobi by their captors. Every prayer and intervention made a difference. We thank God that they are safe!” Odhiambo wrote.
While the brothers have been found, the search for Njagi continues, and the circumstances surrounding the abductions remain unclear. The two brothers were reportedly abducted near their home in Kitengela, while Njagi was allegedly forced out of a bus in Mlolongo before being bundled into a vehicle by unknown individuals.
The abductions have been a source of mounting public outrage, particularly due to the allegations of police involvement in the incident. Witnesses claim the two brothers were abducted by individuals driving a white Subaru, a vehicle commonly associated with security operations in Kenya.
Investigation Underway
The abductions prompted the Law Society of Kenya to file a legal case demanding the police produce the missing individuals. There is widespread suspicion that security forces were involved in the disappearance, an accusation the police have denied.
Speaking on Thursday, Inspector General of Police, Kanja, confirmed that an investigation into the alleged abductions was ongoing. However, he refuted claims that the police had any knowledge of the three missing men’s whereabouts.
“You are aware that I have just taken over the office, but what I have gotten from our officers is that we don’t have the Kitengela three with us. I know a report was made, and we have got an active investigation,” Kanja stated.
In a separate statement, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Director Amin echoed Kanja’s sentiments. “We don’t support any form of abduction, and for now, we don’t have the three,” he said.
Despite the reassurances from law enforcement, the case continues to place pressure on the National Police Service (NPS), particularly following a court ruling that found former Acting Inspector General of Police, Gilbert Masengeli, in contempt of court for failing to provide answers regarding the trio’s whereabouts.
Legal Trouble for Former Acting IG
The case has not only raised questions about the missing men but also sparked legal battles. Former Acting Inspector General of Police, Gilbert Masengeli, is facing a six-month jail term after failing to attend court hearings that demanded an explanation for the abductions. Justice Lawrence Mugambi, presiding over the criminal court, issued the sentence last week, holding Masengeli in contempt for repeatedly missing court appearances.
Masengeli’s legal team, led by Cecil Miller and Steve Ogola, has been working to overturn the sentence. On Thursday, they requested an opportunity for Masengeli to appear in court and apologize. However, attempts to schedule an appearance before Justice Mugambi that day were unsuccessful due to a conflicting court schedule. Justice Chacha Mwita, who was presiding over a separate case, explained that Mugambi was occupied with another matter and would be unable to hear Masengeli’s apology.
Masengeli’s lawyers have asked for the matter to be mentioned on Friday, hoping to resolve the issue before the six-month sentence officially begins. Despite these efforts, Masengeli remains in legal jeopardy, with the sentence set to take effect by Friday, September 20.
A Baffling Disappearance
The disappearance of the three men has left many Kenyans puzzled and concerned. The abductions, which took place on Monday, August 19, have drawn significant attention due to the mysterious circumstances and the possible involvement of law enforcement officials.
Witness accounts suggest the brothers were abducted by men in a white Subaru just a few meters from their home. A boda boda rider who witnessed the incident reported that the men appeared to be wearing handcuffs, leading to suspicions that they were police officers or individuals impersonating law enforcement personnel.
Njagi’s abduction took place on the same day, but in a different location. Reports indicate that he was pulled from a bus in Mlolongo and forced into a Subaru by unknown individuals.
The Law Society of Kenya quickly intervened, filing a case in court to demand the production of the three men. In the weeks following their disappearance, the case has become a focal point of public concern, with many questioning the role of the police and the apparent lack of transparency surrounding the investigation.
Mounting Pressure on Police
The involvement of the police in the case has been a key issue, especially given the failure of former Acting Inspector General Masengeli to comply with court orders. Justice Mugambi’s decision to jail Masengeli for contempt reflects the growing frustration among legal authorities over the lack of progress in the case.
Masengeli’s legal team has been working to mitigate the damage, but the former police chief remains in a precarious position. The Law Society of Kenya, represented by prominent lawyer Nelson Havi, has continued to press for answers, requesting that the matter be mentioned next week to ensure the case receives the attention it deserves.
For the families of the abducted men, the discovery of the two brothers offers some relief, but the continued absence of Bob Njagi is a source of deep concern. With the legal battles surrounding the case ongoing, it remains to be seen whether the truth behind the abductions will come to light.
Conclusion
The abduction and subsequent discovery of Jamil and Aslam Longton have raised many questions about the role of the police and the broader issue of enforced disappearances in Kenya. While the brothers have been found, the mystery surrounding the fate of Bob Njagi persists. The case has not only placed significant pressure on law enforcement but has also exposed the challenges of accountability within the police force.
As the investigation continues, Kenyans are left hoping for answers, not only regarding the whereabouts of Njagi but also the circumstances that led to the abduction of the three men. The ongoing legal battles, including the possible imprisonment of former Acting IG Masengeli, underscore the complexity and seriousness of the situation.
