The High Court of Kenya has directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and Police to disclose the whereabouts of two brothers and an activist from Kitengela who were allegedly abducted on August 19.
Jamil Longton, Aslam Longton, and activist Brian Njagi were taken by individuals in suits who claimed to be police officers from Nairobi but provided no reason for the arrests.
Following their arrest, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) led by President Faith Odhiambo filed a petition for the grant of a writ of habeas corpus for the production and release of the three.
Odhiambo said that the trio was reportedly arrested and held incommunicado, with their families having no information on where they are being held.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi of the High Court has since allowed the application by LSK, in turn directing DCI and police to immediately disclose their whereabouts and release them or arraign them in court.
“That pending the hearing and determination of this application interpartes an order is hereby issued directing the Respondents to immediately disclose the whereabouts of the 2nd to 4th Petitioners to the 1st Petitioner,” read part of the ruling.
“That pending the hearing and determination of this Application Interpartes an order is hereby issued directing the Respondents to immediately release or produce the 2nd to 4th Petitioners before any Court of competent jurisdiction to make such orders as may be appropriate to uphold the rights and fundamental freedoms of the 2nd to 4th Petitioners.”
The matter is set to be mentioned virtually on Monday, August 26, 2024, at 10.00 a.m. to confirm compliance with the above orders and further directions.
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Odhiambo Speaks After Court Directive
LSK President Faith Odhiambo welcomed the court ruling, highlighting that the society will that the directives are complied with.
“We remain committed to the defence of human rights and the rule of law,” said Odhiambo.
The ruling comes after two families of the three young men who were allegedly abducted after protesting the arrest of Safina Party Leader Jimmi Wanjigi appealed to President William Ruto for help in securing the return of their loved ones.
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According to friends, family members, and boda boda riders in Kitengela, the trio was abducted shortly after addressing the media in Kamukunji police station Nairobi, to protest Wanjigi’s arrest.
“We request the president to keep his promise during campaigns that no one will be abducted or assassinated under his rule when elected,” said Abdulrazak Longton, brother to Jamil and Aslam.
Kitengela Youth Abducted
A police report at the Kitengela Police Station indicated that Njagi was abducted while riding in a matatu, while Aslam and Jamil were taken from their car, which was left at the roadside.
“They were last seen being driven away in a white Subaru, license plate KDQ, to an unknown destination with all their phones going silent immediately after.
“We have not heard from them since Monday. The people who took them were in suits and ties and identified themselves as police officers. The boda boda riders saw them, but they refused to explain the reason for the arrests,” Abdulrazak said.
The three are among dozens who have been abducted by individuals posing as police officers since the onset of the Gen Z protests, during which several people were found dead, and others remain missing.
However, the Director of Criminal Investigations Amin Mohamed has refuted claims that the directorate is involved in the rampant kidnappings that have been witnessed in the country, in the recent past.
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