The High Court in Nairobi has directed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Mohammed Amin to personally present Justus Mutumwa, Martin Mwau, Karani Muema and Stephen Kavingo in court by 10 a.m. on January 13.
The four men, allegedly abducted from Mlolongo, Machakos County, on December 16 and 17, 2024, have been missing for nearly 22 days.
Despite repeated reports to the Mlolongo Police Station and DCI headquarters in Athi River, their families have received no updates on their whereabouts.
A neighbour who witnessed Kavingo’s abduction described seeing four masked men, dressed in blue, pink and red, take him from his home.
The men reportedly forced Kavingo into a car and drove off. Mwau, Muema and Mutumwa were taken the day before.
In his ruling, High Court Judge Chacha Mwita issued a conservatory order for the immediate and unconditional release of the four men or their presentation in court on January 13.
Police have claimed to have no information about the men’s location.
Several abductions were reported across the country in December 2024. Four youths, allegedly abducted, were released on Monday morning, just hours before planned protests against forced disappearances. Bernard Kavuli Musyimi, missing from Ngong’ Police Station, returned to Moi's Bridge Police Station and, is assisting investigators.
At the same time, Billy Mwangi and Peter Muteti were reunited with their families in Embu and Nairobi, respectively, after being held captive for over two weeks.
Billy’s family reported that he was abandoned in Nyeri before making his way back to Majengo, Embu, after 15 days in captivity.
His family said he appeared frail and was taken to the hospital for a medical check-up. Billy was abducted at a barbershop in Embu town, where his father, Gerald Karicha, said he had been under surveillance for days.
The family believes his abduction was linked to his criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Peter Muteti, abducted on December 21, 2024, outside an apartment in Nairobi, was found in the Nairobi Central Business District on Monday.
Rony Kiplangat, who was abducted from Thogoto Police Post, was found in Machakos County, while Bernard Kavuli, missing from Ngong’ Police Station, was located in Kitale.
Cartoonist Gideon Kibet, alias “Kibet Bull,” also confirmed his release, saying his abductors dropped him off in Luanda, Vihiga County, early Monday, January 6.
