High Court Directs CS Murkomen & IG Kanja to Explain Whereabouts of Abducted Kenyans

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has been summoned by the High Court as the case regarding six abductees took a fresh twist on Tuesday, December 31.

Justice Alexander Muteti issued fresh orders at Milimani Law Courts directing Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to attend a hearing on January 8 to explain the whereabouts of six Kenyans who were reportedly abducted.

The six Kenyans are Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, Gideon Kibet, Billy Mwangi, Ronny Kiplangat and Steve Kivango.

Kanja was expected to avail himself before the courts on Tuesday after an initial court order by Justice Bahati Mwamuye but the Inspector General of Police and other state officers including DCI and the Attorney General failed to comply. 

NTSA Director-General George Njao has also been ordered to avail himself or send an authorized officer before the court on January 3. Njao is expected to answer questions relating to copies of the motor vehicle records.

On Tuesday, the High Court heard testimonies from some of the abductees’ parents and lawyers, led by Felix Keiton. The lawyers accused IG Kanja and other state officers of openly violating human rights. 

Billy Mwangi’s father also spoke before the court where he broke down in tears as he tried to explain the plight his family has faced since their son was allegedly taken by four men. 

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Narc – K’s Martha Karua and Eugene Wamalwa were also present in court to support the embattled Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, who was arrested on Monday alongside tens of other protestors during the anti-abduction demonstrations at the Nairobi CBD.

The trio collectively faulted state officers including Kanja for contempt of court after failing to honour the sermon on Tuesday. 

On Friday, December 27, Murkomen, the freshly appointed Interior CS, courted controversy after boldly denouncing any state involvement in the disappearance of the six missing persons.

According to the CS, the National Police Service issued a communication to the Ministry saying they had not arrested anyone and failed to take them to court.

“As a government, we are in agreement that NPS under the command of Inspector General is independent and so we are not going to interfere with their work,” Murkomen said.