IG of Police Douglas Kanja and Director of DCI Amin during different occasions|Photo Courtesy|
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Director of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Mohammed Amin appeared before a Nairobi court today to provide updates on the disappearance of three young men from Mlolongo in December 2024.
The missing individuals, identified as Justus Mutumwa, Martin Mwau, and Karani Muema, were reportedly kidnapped on December 16, 2024 and ever since their whereabouts remain unknown, raising public concern over security and law enforcement’s response to enforced disappearances.
Represented by their counsel, Paul Nyamodi, the two senior police officials told the court that a report on the missing youths had been officially recorded at Athi River’s Mlolongo Police Station.
IG Kanja confirmed that the missing persons’ reports were documented under OB No. 23/21/12/24 at Athi River Police Station and OB No. 43/25/12/2024 at Mlolongo Police Station.
“Your honour, I am appearing before this court pursuant to a court order that directed I do appear on account of three persons who were reported missing from Athi River and Mlolongo Townships,” Kanja stated in court.
The police chief sought to reassure Kenyans about their safety, highlighting security measures in place during the festive season.
“Your honour, I want to let the people of Kenya know they are safe. We have just come from the festive season, and throughout the entire season, people enjoyed Christmas because this country is safe. So, I want to assure you that we are safe. I am the Inspector General of Police Service,” Kanja asserted.
State Prosecutor Mark Baraza told the court that the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed the IG to investigate the case and was awaiting the findings.
“We are aware of incidents of abduction. Following these complaints, the DPP directed the IG to investigate. The IG investigates and has institutional independence to do so. We are expecting the file on these abductions that we have heard about on social media and mainstream media,” Baraza stated.
The court appearance comes after weeks of defiance by IG Kanja and DCI Amin, who had repeatedly failed to honor summons, citing various reasons. Their failure to appear had fueled speculation about the seriousness of the investigations.
Lawyer Nyamodi explained that the two had left the country on Tuesday but returned on Thursday morning to comply with the court order.
The case continues to draw national attention, with families of the missing youths demanding swift action from authorities. Civil society groups have also raised concerns over the increasing cases of enforced disappearances, urging law enforcement agencies to prioritize the investigation.
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