The High Court has issued a firm order compelling Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to produce missing blogger Ndiagui Kiangui, who has been unaccounted for over the past 10 days, in court or provide a compelling explanation for his disappearance.
Justice Chacha Mwita, presiding over the habeas corpus application, made the directive on Monday, expressing concern over the prolonged silence surrounding Kiangui’s whereabouts.
“This is an application of habeas corpus touching on a Kenyan who is a human being… I have taken into account the fact that the second applicant has not been found for 10 days and that the life of a citizen is in danger,” said Justice Mwita.
In his ruling, the judge directed that the application be served on all respondents by close of business Monday, and responses filed within seven days.
However, in a clear show of urgency, Justice Mwita went further to order the Inspector General to either produce Kiangui in court or give a satisfactory explanation for his disappearance by 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, during an in-person mention of the case.
The application was filed amid growing concern over possible enforced disappearance, as family, friends, and the public raised alarm over Kiangui’s unknown location for more than a week.
The case now adds to increasing scrutiny over the conduct of security agencies in Kenya, particularly on matters involving alleged disappearances and extrajudicial actions.
