High Court Orders Police IG Kanja To Produce Missing Blogger Ndiagui Kinyagia

The High Court has ordered Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to produce missing blogger Ndiagui Kinyagia. Justice Chacha Mwita issued the directive on June 30, stipulating that if Kinyagia is not presented, IG Kanja and DCI counterpart Amin Mohammed must appear in court tomorrow to explain his whereabouts.

Justice Mwita also gave the Inspector General an alternative: to provide an explanation for Kinyagia’s detention for 10 days without a court appearance.

Kinyagia, known for his role in organizing the June 25 commemorative protests, disappeared shortly before the demonstrations, and his current location remains unknown.

On June 19, the activist had shared details on his X (formerly Twitter) page regarding the June 25 protests, which included plans to march to State House and declare a new republic. Reports of his disappearance and potential abduction surfaced on June 24, just a day before the scheduled protests.

Following his disappearance, fellow activists and human rights defenders initiated a campaign for his release, with “#FreeNdiaguiKinyagia” banners circulating online.

Amnesty Kenya stated on June 27 that Kinyagia was last seen on June 21, two days after his social media post, when suspected DCI officials reportedly raided his home in Kinoo. “We call for his immediate release. If he is accused of any crime, let him be presented before a court of law, not held incommunicado,” Amnesty Kenya urged.

Reports indicate that Kinyagia’s residence was surrounded by several Subaru vehicles, and his last communication was with his mother around 1 PM on Saturday, June 21. Despite growing public concern, the National Police Service and the DCI have remained silent regarding Kinyagia’s whereabouts.