Inspector General (IG) of Police Douglas Kanja and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Director Mohammed Amin on Thursday, January 30, finally appeared in court.
The two made an appearance after snubbing three consecutive summons over the disappearance of three Kenyans.
His absence in court has in previous weeks sparked outrage, with the IG being accused of failure to respect the Judiciary.
The police boss alongside Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Director Mohammed Amin was expected to show up and address inquiries regarding the whereabouts of three individuals abducted in Mlolongo, Machakos County, in December 2024.
Earlier, Justice Chacha Mwita noted that the trio, Justus Mutumwa, Martin Mwau and Karani Muema were arrested on December 16 and 17 and had been held beyond the constitutional limit.
The case comes amid growing public concern over enforced disappearances and allegations of extrajudicial actions by security agencies.
Also Read:Â Win for IG Kanja as Court Gives Way Forward on Summons Over Abductions
DCI Amin Makes Submission Before Court
In his submission, Amin confirmed that reports of missing persons were officially recorded at Athi River and Mlolongo police stations on December 21, 25, and 26, 2024.
Further, he stated that upon receiving these reports, he was given explicit instructions by the Inspector General of Police to ensure thorough investigations were conducted.
Amin also said that none of the missing individuals are in the custody of the National Police Service (NPS).Â
“I am appearing pursuant to a court order that directed me to come to court and give an account of the following persons who were reported missing from Athi River and Mlolongo.
I wish to confirm that the reports of missing persons were made at Athi River and Mlolongo police stations on 21, 25 and 26 of December 2024.
Upon receipt of the reports, I wish to confirm that I was given clear instructions by the Inspector General of Police Service to whom I am responsible for making sure that investigations are instituted in relation to all the missing persons reports.
Pursuant to that directive, I instructed my deputy director of investigations Mr Paul Wachira, to take over the contact of those cases and ensure that reports are conclusively investigated and the findings forwarded to the ODPP for further directions.
The investigations are still ongoing and at an appropriate time, the files will be forwarded to ODPP, complete with our findings and recommendations.
The missing persons are not under the custody of the National police Service. We have not arrested them and they are not under our custody. We can neither produce their bodies nor can we formally refer any charges against them.”
Also Read:Â DCI Clarifies Reports of Forming Anti-Abduction Squad
IG Kanja Issues His Submission
IG Kanja stated that upon receiving reports of the missing persons, he promptly directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to initiate investigations.
He then assigned Assistant Inspector General Paul Wachira, the lead investigator, to oversee the probe and ensure a comprehensive report on the matter.
When the information was made in the two police stations, I directed the director of DCi to commence investigations, and the leading investigator Paul Wachira, who is an assistant Inspector General and is here to give a progress report on the status of the investigations.Â
I would like to add that I am a law-abiding citizen who respects our courts and the orders issued at any given time.Â
We have none of the subjects in police custody.
The court is expected to review the progress report and determine the next steps in the case as investigations continue.
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