The High Court on Friday directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the National Police Service to immediately reveal the whereabouts of three people among them two brothers who were reportedly abducted by individuals believed to be police officers in Kitengela on Monday, August 19, 2024.
The three individuals, identified as Bob Njagi, Aslam Longton, and Jamil Longton, were taken by individuals in suits who are believed to be police officers from Nairobi but provided no reason for the arrests.
In his ruling, the judge directed the top police bosses to reveal the whereabouts and produce the missing individuals. They have until Monday to comply.
"That pending the hearing and determination of this application interpartes an order is hereby issued directing the respondents (DCI and NPS) to immediately disclose the whereabouts of the 2nd to 4th Petitioners to the 1st Petitioner," read the directive in part.
"Pending the hearing and determination of this Application Interpartes an order is hereby issued directing the respondents to immediately release or produce the 2nd to 4th Petitioners before any Court of competent jurisdiction to make such orders as may be appropriate to uphold the rights and fundamental freedoms of the 2nd to 4th Petitioners."
The Law Society Of Kenya (LSK), headed by Faith Odhiambo, had moved to court demanding that the law enforcement is compelled to produce the missing individuals and reveal their whereabouts. The suit was published on Friday.
Odhiambo, in a statement, revealed that the society moved to court as part of their bigger objective of defending human rights.
“We have served the orders and will ensure they are complied with in a timeous manner. We remain committed to the defense of human rights and the rule of law,” she said.
In issuing the orders, the High Court under the ruling of Hon. Lawrence Mugambi certified the petition as urgent and ordered LSK to serve the police with the same before close of business on Friday.
The matter is set to be mentioned in the same court on Monday to confirm whether the police have complied with the order.
According to their families, two of the three young men were abducted in Kitengela after protesting the arrest of Safina Party Leader Jimi Wanjigi. They had earlier appealed to President William Ruto for help in securing the return of their loved ones.
“We request the president to keep his promise during campaigns that no one will be abducted or assassinated under his rule when elected,” Abdulrazak Longton, brother to Jamil and Aslam, told the media.
According to information from Kitengela Police Station under OB No. 107/19/8/2024, Njagi was abducted while riding in a matatu, while Aslam and Jamil were taken from their car, which was later left by the roadside.
