The High Court ordered the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and the National Police Service (NPS) led by by Inspector General Japhet Koome to release all the abducted Kenyans held incommunicado .
In an order issued on Wednesday evening, the court directed the two security agencies to release the abducted Kenyans immediately and unconditionally.
The court noted 24 hours had lapsed since the abductions were reported rendering the detentions unlawful.
“THAT Noting that it is over twenty-four hours since the abductions complained of took place, an ORDER is hereby issued Directing the respondents, their agents and or servants, to IMMEDIATELY and UNCONDITIONALLY RELEASE the 2nd to 13th petitioners, pending the hearing and determination of this application,” read the order in part.
The court issued the orders after 13 petitioners filed a case against the National Intelligence Service and the Inspector General of Police which cited the abductions.
In the petition, the presiding judge also issued an ultimatum for the respondents to file responses to the application within two days after being served.
Additionally, the court ordered the release of any other person other than the petitioners held incommunicado for demonstrating against the controversial piece of legislation.
The High Court also issued an order for the respondents within the case to appear before the court within two days to confirm their compliance with the orders.
"THAT The respondents or their dully authorized representatives do appear in court on 28th June 2024 at 9.am to confirm compliance with court order No,2 above, and for further directions on the hearing of the application and petition," read the statement in part.
The orders come after the widespread outcry from civil organisations and the public following abductions and the detention of influential social media users.
During a press briefing held on Wednesday, Azimio leaders led by Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka stated that should the abducted Kenyans not be released, they would seek other avenues to hold the national government accountable.
Kalonzo accused the President of being stubborn, adopting a hardline stance and what he described as operating outside the constitution.
