Missing blogger Ndiang’ui Kinyangia has finally resurfaced after days of frantic searching by his family, legal team, and concerned members of the public. He appeared in court Thursday morning, prompting a sigh of relief from loved ones and supporters.
The emotional reunion in court saw Kinyangia, clad in a maroon jumper and clear eyeglasses, embrace his mother, Lilian Wanjiku, who was present for the proceedings. At one point, he approached the court bench but remained silent throughout the session.
According to his lawyers, Kinyangia appeared visibly sick and traumatised, and was in no state to participate meaningfully in the hearing.
Family lawyer Kibe Mungai informed the court that fellow advocate Wahome Thuku had notified him of Kinyangia’s whereabouts on Tuesday evening. A phone conversation between Kinyangia and his mother the night before the court appearance confirmed his safety, but details surrounding his disappearance remain unclear.
“Your Honour, we have him. We were looking for him, and he is finally here. But he’s not in good condition,” Kibe said, adding that the legal team had yet to debrief him.
Citing his client’s fragile physical and mental state, Kibe urged the court to defer proceedings to allow the family time for a private conversation with Kinyangia. He also requested an order restraining any arrest or detention of the blogger, proposing instead that he be bonded and required to attend court as needed.
“I regret that I can’t be of any assistance until we’ve had a session with him to know what happened to him,” he added.
Justice Chacha Mwita, presiding over the matter, acknowledged the family’s request and agreed that it was reasonable.
“My intention was to have him found and present him to Kenyans. He’s here. We have him. It’s also good to allow the family and the lawyers time to speak to him,” the judge said.
Meanwhile, the Attorney General’s Office, through State Counsel Emmanuel Bitta, raised concerns over procedural fairness and asked the court to ensure they are granted an opportunity to be heard.
