High court judge Bahati Mwamuye warned failure to comply with the order could result in sentencing and conviction.

This is after the duo failed to personally appear in court on Wednesday following a court order.

Their lawyer Paul Nyamodi told the court that IG Kanja was unable to attend court due to an urgent security meeting.

Petitioners through their lawyer, Senior Counsel Kalonzo Musyoka told the court the matter could not proceed if the police boss was not personally present in court.

The judge said the situation had left him with only three options which included to cite the IG for court contempt, issue a warrant of arrest and sentence the officer to jail.

“But I will not do that now. I will give the IG a last chance to appear before this court before I opt for the first option and invite him for mitigation before sentencing,” Justice Mwamuye said.

Nyamodi in his application to the court, sought 14 days to allow for the recording of statements from the four petitioners, who are currently at liberty.

He told Mwamuye that the process might yield critical leads in the search for one of the abducted victims, whose whereabouts remain unknown.

The court was informed that investigations into the matter are ongoing, and the additional time would allow the team to both gather evidence and finalize their inquiries.

“My clients are as interested to find out the whereabouts of the 7th petitioner, the 2nd to 6th are at liberty. They believe they have useful information that will assist in the resolution of this matter bearing in mind that the purpose of the attendance of the IG was and is to produce the 2nd to 7th petitioners,” said Nyamodi.
Kalonzo on his part urged the court to grant them a day to take all the necessary statements

“We urge that you consider this Friday for convening for further directions,” he said.

The court however set strict timelines for the filing and exchange of documents.

Petitioners and supporting parties have until the close of business on January 15, 2025, to file and serve supplementary affidavits.

Meanwhile, respondents and opposing parties must submit their responses and supporting documents by January 22, 2025.

Additionally, the 8th respondent has been instructed to submit their filings as affidavits or annexures.

To ensure smooth coordination, the petitioners must designate a contact counsel who will liaise with respondents and interested parties regarding appearances for petitioners 2 to 7.

The matter will be mentioned before the Deputy Registrar on January 23 at 9:00 a.m. to confirm compliance with the filing deadlines.

Another mention is scheduled before the court on January 24, with virtual attendance permitted only in exceptional circumstances.

Hearing will be on January 27.

In the petition, Law Society of Kenya (LSK) said the abductions were conducted in dramatic fashion and in broad daylight, some under the glare of CCTV footage.

“The abductions have been conducted by men who conceal their identities by wearing civilian clothes, hoodies and face masks with motor vehicles normally linked to police operations,” the petition stated.

LSK further said motor vehicles bear fake number plates, a clear ploy to disguise and conceal their identity as they whisk away their victims to unknown destinations.

The petition added that despite the abductions being reported at various police stations, the police boss issued a contradictory statement where on one hand he claimed that there was no police station in the country that was holding the reported abductees, while on the hand admitting that the matter in question was Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).

The petition added that the abductions have caused pain, anguish and despair among family members and a huge public outcry by members of the public, religious organisation groups and the political class.

The post Court Orders Kanja, Amin to Appear in Court on January 27 Over Abduction Claims appeared first on KahawaTungu.

Kanja and DCI Mohamed Amin were ordered to personally appear in court on Wednesday January 8 but they skipped the session.

Their lawyer Paul Nyamodi told court that the two security chiefs were ready to attend court but a serious security matter arose requiring their attention.

Petitioners represented by senior counsel Kalonzo Musyoka told the court the matter could not proceed if the police boss was not personally present in court.

Justice Bahati Mwamuye adjourned the session for 30 minutes to allow Nyamodi to reach out to the IG to present himself in court.

When proceedings resumed, Nyamodi informed the court that he was unable to reach the IG and that officers in his office said he had left early in the morning for an urgent security meeting.

The judge said the situation had left him with only three options.

They include to cite the IG for court contempt, issue a warrant of arrest and sentence the officer to jail.

“But I will not do that now. I will give the IG a last chance to appear before this court before I opt for the first option and invite him for mitigation before sentencing,” Justice Mwamuye said.

Nyamodi had asked the court to give police 14 days to record statements of those abductees who have been released.

Kanja had claimed that the National Police Service (NPS) was not privy to the abductions and that national security was not involved.

The youths are believed to have been abducted after making social media posts aimed at criticizing President Ruto and the state.

They include Digital cartoonist Gideon Kibet, alias Kibet Bull, his brother Ronny Kiplangat, Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Steve Mbisi and Bernard Kavuli.

Five were released on Monday, January 6,  as they reappeared in different parts of the country.

Kiplangat, abducted in Nairobi, was found in Machakos County, while Kavuli, abducted in Ngong, was discovered in Kitale.

Kibet Bull was found in Luanda, Vihiga County after being abducted in Nairobi on December 24, 2024.

Steve Mbisi, who has also been reported missing is yet to be found.

None of the abductees have given detailed information on their ordeal or revealed details of those who held them in custody.

Manyatta Member of Parliament (MP) Gitonga Mukunji has however intimated that Billy faced a harrowing torture in the hands of his abdcutors.

While joining Billy’s family after the reunion, Mukunji said that a preliminary report intimates that whipping and food portioning were used as weapons of maltreatment.

The post Court Gives Police Bosses Last Chance to Obey Abduction Orders appeared first on KahawaTungu.

He now wants to be expunged from a suit filed by the Law Society of Kenya and another by Senator Okiyah Omtatah, which have named him as a respondent.

The CS, who assumed office on December 19, 2024, said his role does not extend to the operational or command functions of the police.

According to him, his mandate is limited to policy direction.

Murkomen said the constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property lies with the Inspector General of police.

Through his lawyer, Danstan Omari, Murkomen stated that his inclusion in the petitions is unconstitutional and lacks legal merit.

“We have laid it bare that the mandate of protection of security of property and lives lies with the Inspection general of Police. Murkomen is on policy but as a citizen of this country and as a CS in charge of Interior security is concerned about the abductions and that is why he is condemning them,” stated Murkomen’s lead lawyer Danstan Omari.

Omari said that as Interior CS, Murkomen’s responsibilities are confined to providing written policy directives to the Inspector General of Police and participating in the National Security Council, which is chaired by the President.

“Policy direction does not include command or operational oversight of the police. The police service enjoys financial and operational autonomy as guaranteed by the Constitution,” Omari said.

Murkomen has yet to issue any policy directives since taking office and is currently familiarizing himself with the ministry’s operations.

Omari confirmed plans to file for the CS’s removal from the lawsuits, saying, “The petitions are misplaced, and there is no lawful or constitutional basis to enjoin the CS.”

While distancing himself from the operational aspects of policing, Murkomen condemned the abductions and extended his condolences to affected families. He pledged to oversee thorough investigations and ensure that those responsible, whether police officers, civilians, or foreigners, are brought to justice.

“Those who have abducted the young Kenyans whether they are police officers, citizens, or foreigners will face the full force of the Kenyan law and the CS is determined that whoever has committed an offence shall be held liable. Nobody is above the law according to the CS for Interior,” said Omari.

Murkomen says he is in the process of convening a meeting with all criminal justice actors; the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Inspector General of Police to discuss the question of abductions.

He said the DPP has already directed the IG and DCI to complete investigations into the abductions and submit their findings by January 15, 2025.

“The CS has told us to tell the country to take notice that the DPP gave instructions pursuant to Article 157 of the constitution to the Inspector General of police and the DCI to conclude investigations of all abductions and files to be forwarded to the (ODPP) by close of business January 15, 2025,” said Omari.

“So let us not jump the gun, let us not interfere with the ODPP directives; it is an independent constitutional office; the IG is an independent constitutional office that only takes directions from the on matters investigations from ODPP. It does not take instructions from the office of CS Interior.”

As he settles into his new role, Murkomen is expected to develop and implement policies aimed at enhancing the Interior Ministry’s effectiveness in addressing national security challenges.

LSK and Omtatah have sued the CS, IG, DCI, and the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to explain the abductions.

The National Police Service (NPS) through its spokesman Dr. Resila Onyango has denied involvement in the abductions, indicating the NPS is conducting investigations into the matter.

The post Murkomen Distances Himself from Abduction Cases appeared first on KahawaTungu.

He spoke following complaints from many leaders present at an event in Homa Bay.

Speaking at the Raila Odinga stadium on Friday, Ruto, however remaining reserved, said that he will end the abductions to restore public trust in national security.

He further urged parents to lead from the front in mentoring and protecting their children to uphold peace in the nation

“We all want to walk together. I want to urge all parents that our children are a blessing from God, and you should take care of them and the government will do our part,” Ruto said.

“All that has been said about abduction will be dealt with. We will end it so that our youth can live in peace and have faith in security agencies,” he said.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had urged Ruto to address the matter with haste and bring those held culpable to book.

“The cases of young people being arrested carelessly, and being handcuffed and tortured should stop. Those behind this should be arrested,” he said.

Their sentiments come amid heightening and alarming cases of abductions in the nation as the National Police Service (NPS) stated that it is not involved in the distressing incidents.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has however fingered the state and his former boss President Ruto, noting that they should be held responsible for the disappearance of young Kenyans.

“To remain silent or inactive is to suggest that these actions are being carried out with his (Ruto’s) knowledge and consent,” he said.

Speaking in Nyeri, Gachagua argued that it is impossible to ignore the fact that the victims are only linked by the criticism against President Ruto and his administration, noting that the state cannot afford to distance itself from the vice.

The recent abductions of seven Kenyans in December have been linked to statements they have made against the government on social media.

They include Steve Mbisi, Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, Naomi (found), Rony Kiplang’at and recently cartoonist Gideon Kibet alias Kibet Bull.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) said that since June, 29 people have been reported missing from abductions.

The commission added that so far, there are 13 abduction cases have been reported in the last three months bringing to 82 the total cases since June 2024 during the anti-government protests.

Police have denied being involved in the saga.

The post We Will Stop Abductions, Ruto Says  appeared first on KahawaTungu.

The unit being led by a relative of a senior government official has abducted and tortured many, Gachagua claimed on Friday from his Nyeri home at a press conference.

Gachagua claimed the unit is led by a man he only identifies as ‘Abel’, who is related to a senior government official.

“There is a unit that is not under the command of the IG of Police. There’s a building in Nairobi the 21st floor at the city center, where the unit is operating from, led by a certain Mr. Abel. Abel is a cousin to a very senior official in this government,” Gachagua said.

“And if this unit is not dismantled we will be giving the name of the building and the full names of that officer and his cousin. Your guess is as good as mine as to who is the commander of that unit.”

He accused president William Ruto of remaining silent on the abductions.

He questioned the similarity between victims, who have been seen to criticize Ruto.

Gachagua argued Kenyans are angry with Ruto’s administration and “killing our children will not quell the anger of Kenyan people.”

“Abducting young people is not a solution, you must address the cause of discontent. Why are people aggrieved with this administration?”

Gachagua added that since independence, it is only Ruto’s administration that has targeted children.

“The question the President must address is – why has everybody turned against you and the administration in only two years. That is what you need to interrogate instead of persecuting these children,” he said.

The revelations by Gachagua follows unanswered questions about the persons behind the abductions.

On Thursday, Inspector General Douglas Kanja dismissed allegations that the National Police Service (NPS) had been conducting the abductions.

The IG warned the public against falling for malicious reports that are meant to taint the image of the police force.

“We therefore appeal to the public to refrain from spreading false, fabricated, malicious, distasteful, misinformed and unverified information aimed at tarnishing the reputation and image of the National Police Service,” he said.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) would later dismiss links to the abduction of cartoonist Gideon Kibet alias Kibet Bull.

Kibet is among six youths who have been abducted this month after making controversial social media posts targeted towards Ruto and his government.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) said that since June, 29 people have been reported missing from abductions.

The commission added that so far, there are 13 abduction cases have been reported in the last three months bringing to 82 the total cases since June 2024.

Steve Kavingo Mbisi, Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, Rony Kiplang’at and Gideon Kibet alias Kibet Bull have been abducted in December, bringing the total number of abductions since June to 82.

The post Gachagua: Secret Unit Behind Abductions Operating from Building in the CBD appeared first on KahawaTungu.

Gachagua said Ruto should take full responsibility and address the issue, lest the cases continue to happen unchecked.

“To remain silent or inactive is to suggest that these actions are being carried out with his knowledge and consent,” he said.

Gachagua further argued that it is impossible to ignore the fact that the victims are only linked by the criticism against President Ruto and his administration, noting that the state cannot afford to distance itself from the vice.

The president has not said anything on the issue since the trend re-emerged.

He blamed the police for being complacent in addressing the alarming issue, noting that it is incongruous for the police to deny being aware of the abductions despite the existence of sufficient evidence.

“How can the police still be in denial when there are witnesses, CCTV footage and countless grieving families coming forward,” he said.

“Our security agencies are either complicit or profoundly incompetent and unable to take decisive action on one of the most significant crises the country has faced under this administration.”

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) said that since June, 29 people have been reported missing from abductions.

The commission added that so far, there are 13 abduction cases have been reported in the last three months bringing to 82 the total cases since June 2024.

Police have denied involvement in the incidents amid calls for action on the same.

Gachagua also fingered the government for victimizing him after he called out the National Intelligence Service (NIS) for being incapacitated and posing a threat to national security.

The remarks invited a lawsuit against him, seemingly prompting the move to oust him from office.

The post Gachagua Says Ruto’s Silence on Abductions is an Indication that he Approves them  appeared first on KahawaTungu.

Karua sensationally claimed during an interview with Citizen TV that Ruto is running a covert “killer gang” made up of foreigners and select Kenyans drawn from the military and outside the police force.

There was no immediate comment from State House over the claims.

Karua did not mince words, pointing the finger squarely at President Ruto, claiming that only the Head of State could lead such an operation.

“I believe that William Ruto is behind the abductions, because you cannot mention the state and fail to mention who is at the helm,” Karua stated. She claimed that the abduction squad is made up of both Kenyans and foreigners, including people from Uganda and Burundi, many of whom have military experience.

“The squad operates outside the police force. Their command is independent, and only Ruto can tell us who these people are. No wonder they don’t introduce themselves when abducting citizens,” Karua said.

Karua also brought up the case of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who she claimed was arrested in Kenya by Ugandan military operatives working with Kenyan authorities.

“These foreign mercenaries cross our borders without documentation or extradition protocols. This is gangster-style abduction facilitated by the government. William Ruto has violated the law,” she asserted.

She accused Ruto for purportedly targeting young people who express dissent online, particularly through satire.

“He would not be abducting young people just because they created satire on social media. It’s not a criminal offense; it might be distasteful, but it’s not worth harming them over,” Karua said.

She urged Ruto to develop thicker skin, saying, “If you want to sit in the highest position in this country, you must arm yourself with asbestos.” Don’t easily catch fire.”

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja responded to the allegations by defending the National Police Service’s professionalism.

“Police do not abduct; we arrest. When we arrest, we take suspects to court. If there is a case of abduction reported at our police stations, ours is to investigate and ensure justice is served,” Kanja said.

The IG dismissed claims that police officers are involved in abductions, stating, “How are you abducted by a police officer in uniform? There’s a difference between formal arrest and abduction. Those who abduct commit crimes and deserve to be taken to court. Ours is to uphold the law.”

Kanja emphasised the collaborative nature of Kenya’s security apparatus, revealing that the police collaborate closely with agencies such as the National Intelligence Service (NIS), the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

“Security is not just about the police; it is a collective effort. We depend on intelligence to keep the country safe,” he said.

More than 60 people are missing after being abducted post June 25 anti government protests.

This came as a family in Embu claimed that their kin is missing after being abducted by armed men.

Another man identified as Peter Muteti is missing after his abduction for allegedly posting an AI generated picture offensive to Ruto.

The family in Embu has come out demanding for the release of their son, Billy Mwangi, who was allegedly abducted in the same manner on Saturday afternoon.

Mwangi’s family says he was forcibly taken away from a barber shop by four armed men who wore masks and were traveling in a double cabin pick up before speeding off towards the Embu-Nairobi Highway.

The incident has sparked fear not just among family members who received the information from a witness but also residents who witnessed the drama unfold in broad daylight.

The controversy surrounding abductions in Kenya has reignited fears about the resurgence of extrajudicial practices to silence government critics.

The post Karua Accuses Ruto of Leading Covert Abduction Squad appeared first on KahawaTungu.

Kindiki said the government will not entertain any violations to constitutionally guaranteed rights.

He reiterated the government’s duty to respect and ensure protection of constitutional rights to all.

Kindiki said state agencies tasked with the same will probe the alleged cases.

“The government has noted with concern claims of abductions and enforced disappearances allegedly perpetrated by security personnel.”

“Independent Constitutional and statutory agencies will investigate and prosecute any person or official who may be implicated with violating the Constitution by perpetrating confinement of any person outside the law,” Kindiki said.

He said all persons within the territory of Kenya are protected from unlawful arrests, abductions and enforced disappearances.

He said this also extends to any illegal methods of confining suspected criminals for investigations to prosecute or whatever reason.

Kindiki, further warned that organisers and financiers of crime during the protests will also not be spared.

He said they will also be prosecuted once investigations are completed.

During the protests, a number of individuals suspected to have been behind the protests were arbitrarily arrested and detained for days.

Their whereabouts remained unknown for days.

Some would later be dumbed in different locations after interrogation by people alleged to have been police officers.

Last week, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya leadership handed over a report on at least 39 missing persons from the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

LSK, led by President Faith Odhiambo, lodged a formal report to the Director of Criminal Investigation, requesting an investigation into the alleged series of abductions.

Up to 42 people have died in the protests.

The post Cops Involved in Alleged Abductions will be Prosecuted – Kindiki appeared first on KahawaTungu.

The post Nigerian Gunmen Seek Talks After Abducting Dozens, Families Say appeared first on KahawaTungu.

In a detailed thread on Twitter, it was revealed that over 20 bodies had been recovered from River Yala raising concerns on links to extrajudicial killings, abductions and torture.

The thread unearthed the rot in the Yala sub-county hospital where the bodies that were being retrieved from River Yala were being dumped and labeled as unknown before later being buried in mass graves.

Below is the thread you need to read and share widely. It's about #RiverYalaDeaths. There're endless bodies reportedly recovered from river River Yala almost every after two or three days. The retrieved bodies are dumped in Yala Sub County Hospital and labelled "unknown". pic.twitter.com/VlOZyGFb27

— OMWANA WA PENINAH (@JoelMbirika) December 9, 2021

Read: Police Claim 19 Bodies Discovered in River Yala Retrieved Over Two Years

In new developments on the same, two family members have positively identified the bodies of their kins who they say went missing in November and December last year.

One lady identified as Irene has reportedly identified her brother’s remains who she says went missing along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway in November last year.

Another family has ideally identified their kin adding that the man’s car had been found near Gilgil in December without him inside.

His body has now been found at Yala mortuary being among the 21 that were retrieved from River Yala.

Irene has identified her brother's remains. He disappeared along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway last November.
His body is among the 20 recovered from Yala River, more that 230km away.
How did it get there?#RiverYalaBodies pic.twitter.com/msj1tN7Rf6

— FERDINAND OMONDI (@FerdyOmondi) January 20, 2022

Yesterday, the National Police issued conflicting reports regarding the same hence eliciting anger from netizens.

Read Also: Concerns as Nation Correspondent Goes Missing in Addis Ababa

In a statement on Wednesday, National Police Service (NPS) spokesperson Bruno Shioso said 19 bodies had been retrieved from the river in the past 2 years.

The post River Yala: Families Positively Identify Bodies of Kin who Went Missing in November, December appeared first on KahawaTungu.