Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Director Mohamed Amin appeared before Justice Chacha Mwita today after multiple court summons to address abductions reported in Kenya since last year, especially during and after anti-government protests.
While testifying, IG Kanja confirmed that reports of missing persons had been officially lodged at Athi River and Mlolongo police stations.
Upon receiving these reports, he directed the DCI to commence investigations, assigning Assistant Inspector General Paul Wachira as the lead investigator. However, he categorically denied that any of the missing persons from Mlolongo were in police custody.
“As a law-abiding citizen who respects the courts and their orders, I wish to confirm that none of the individuals reported missing are in the custody of the National Police Service,” he stated.
Kanja was questioned by Malidzo Nyawa, the petitioners’ lawyer, on whether Kenyans could still feel safe despite the increasing cases of abductions. In response, he reassured the court that security remained a top priority.
“I want to assure the people of Kenya that they are safe. We have just come from the Christmas festive season, and I want to emphasize that security is our priority,” he said.
DCI Director Mohamed Amin echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that investigations were ongoing to determine the whereabouts of the missing persons.
Mohamed reiterated that the police had no custody of the missing persons.
“Under these circumstances, we cannot produce their bodies, nor can we prefer any charges against them. The Constitution is clear that any person arrested must be presented before a court of law within 24 hours,” he added.
Taking the stand, Deputy Director of Investigations Paul Wachira provided a detailed update on the progress of the investigations, confirming that three reports of missing persons had been received.
Wachira told the court that investigation on the disappearance of two individuals, Justus Mutumwa and Martin Mwau who went misdibg on 17th December 2024 started by first tracing the locations where they were last seen, interviewed witnesses, and recorded statements.
According to Wachira, the duo were last seen riding a Honda motorcycle, registration number KMGM, as they departed for Kitui on a business trip.
He further told the court that on the duo remain active including that of Mwemu but due to the Data Protection Act, certain critical information, such as communication records and financial transactions, requires court orders before access.
Wachira told the court that the police have engaged both private and government agencies to assist in gathering evidence based on witness statements.
“We have engaged various witnesses, service providers, and private entities to track possible leads. However, we have encountered challenges, including witnesses unwilling to provide information voluntarily, which has forced us to seek legal processes to obtain crucial details.”
The hearing comes amid growing public outcry and pressure from human rights organizations over enforced disappearances, particularly in the wake of last year’s protes