Public pressure led to release of 4 abductees, now let police account

Bernard Kavuli (centre) with lawyers Nick Karanja (left) Shadrack Wambui (right) sister Mary Kivuli, upon his arrival at the Ngong Police Station, Kajiado County on January 6, 2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

The release of four abductees made headlines, but Justice Ngaah Jairus's ruling on former Police IG Japhet Koome's culpability this Wednesday and next week's "Baby Pendo" hearing could be pivotal for those seeking greater police accountability.

Three weeks of sustained public pressure and public interest litigation, finally paid off. As public protests kicked off on Monday, news filtered in that Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, Gideon Kibet and Rony Kiplang'at had been found disoriented and alone, several kilometres from their homes or where they were kidnapped.