Police Summon Blogger Ndiang’ui Kinyagia After Reappearance; Deny Abduction Claims
Image: Activist Ndiang'ui Kinyagia flanked by family when he appeared at Milimani Courts, Nairobi (Image: Files)The National Police Service (NPS) has officially summoned blogger Ndiang’ui Kinyagia to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters following his unexpected reappearance and subsequent court appearance on Thursday.
In a press statement, the Office of the Inspector General acknowledged Kinyagia’s resurfacing and addressed the significant public outcry that followed his disappearance. Kinyagia had been reported missing from his Kinoo, Kiambu County home since June 22, with widespread speculation across social media and mainstream media alleging police involvement in his alleged abduction.
NPS Denies Allegations, Warns Against Falsehoods
The NPS, however, categorically denied these accusations, reiterating that Kinyagia was never in police custody.
“We take great exception to the emerging trend whereby individuals feign abduction and provide false information to the police, intending to generate a misleading narrative that exploits public outrage and sensational headlines, thereby distorting the truth rather than focusing on justice,” the statement read.
The police further warned that stage-managing abductions and providing false information to authorities are criminal offenses punishable by law. “These criminal acts undermine the integrity of our law enforcement efforts, damage the reputation of the National Police Service, and cause anxiety to the public,” the NPS stated.
Blogger’s Lawyer Cites Fear for Safety
Lawyer Wahome Thuku, representing Ndiang’ui’s family, told the court that the blogger “had hidden temporarily for fear of his life upon learning that DCI officers were looking for him over unknown criminal allegations.” Thuku added that Kinyagia contacted a family member on Tuesday evening from an undisclosed location.
“Ndiangui has indicated that he is ready and willing to present himself to the DCI and to be presented before any court of law when his safety and security are guaranteed. We have therefore advised him to present himself before the High Court at Milimani Law Courts today,” Thuku informed the court.
Kinyagia, who remains a person of interest, is expected to present himself at DCI Headquarters. Meanwhile, the court has barred the police from arresting the blogger until the matter is fully heard on July 24.
