Nairobi, Kenya — The High Court has issued a landmark ruling demanding the immediate release of six individuals reportedly abducted under controversial circumstances. The individuals—Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, Billy Mwangi, Gideon Kibet, Rony Kiplangat, and Steve Kavingo—must be produced before the court by Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja Kirocho.
Justice Bahati Mwamunye directed the Inspector General to ensure compliance with the court’s orders both personally and in his official capacity. The six are to be presented at the Milimani High Court Criminal Duty Court on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at 11:00 AM.
In a strongly worded directive, the court emphasized that failure to comply with these orders would result in penal sanctions for contempt of court.
“The 9th Respondent, Douglas Kanja Kirocho, shall in his capacity as the 1st Respondent and also in his capacity as the 9th Respondent, personally secure compliance with Orders (1) and (2) above and shall consequently personally produce the 2nd – 7th Petitioners/Applicants before this Court or the Milimani High Court Criminal Duty Court on 31/12/2024 at 11:00AM in physical/open court; and summons to that effect be and are hereby issued to him,” Justice Mwamunye ordered.
To safeguard the rights of the individuals, the court issued a conservatory order restraining authorities from arresting, detaining, charging, or prosecuting the six in relation to any criminal offence without express permission from the High Court.
The ruling extends to the Director-General of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), George Njao. Justice Mwamunye instructed him or a designated officer to appear before the court on January 3, 2025, to provide vehicle records pertinent to the case.
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The High Court at the same time summoned George Njao, the Director-General of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), to appear on January 3, 2025, regarding the recent abductions of six Kenyan youths. Justice Bahati Mwamuye issued the directive, requiring Njao or a designated representative to produce specific vehicle records critical to the ongoing investigations.
This follows an urgent petition filed by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), which alleges that the youths were unlawfully detained by state authorities, including the police and intelligence agencies.
In a ruling dated December 29, 2024, Justice Mwamuye ordered:
“The Director-General of the 8th Respondent, George Njao, or a duly authorized officer so authorized in writing, shall appear before this Court on 03/01/2025 at 11:30 AM in physical/open court to produce copies of records with respect to the motor vehicles specified at Prayer 6 of the Notice of Motion Application dated 26/12/2024.”
LSK Warns of Consequences for Non-Compliance
Faith Odhiambo, representing the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), welcomed the ruling, vowing to prosecute any contempt proceedings against officials who fail to comply.
“We reiterate our commitment to ensure these orders are served upon and adhered to by the relevant individuals,” said Odhiambo.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about the rule of law, the protection of human rights, and accountability in the country’s law enforcement agencies.
