Missing lawyer and political blogger Ndiang’ui Kinyagia, who vanished under mysterious circumstances on June 21, has finally resurfaced and made a public appearance at the Milimani High Court in Nairobi on Thursday morning.
The development came just hours after Kinyagia contacted his family on Tuesday evening, confirming that he was alive, well, and had gone into hiding out of fear for his life. In a statement issued by the family’s legal counsel, Wahome Thuku, it was revealed that Kinyagia had chosen to conceal his whereabouts after learning that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) was allegedly searching for him over unspecified criminal allegations.
“Mr. Ndiang’ui indicated that he had hidden temporarily for fear of his life upon learning that DCI officers were looking for him over unknown criminal allegations,” Thuku said.
The lawyer emphasized that Kinyagia had expressed willingness to present himself before authorities, but only under assurances of safety and due legal process. Following legal advice, he presented himself to the High Court at 11 a.m., as directed.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) was formally informed of the situation and is expected to follow up on the legal proceedings. Meanwhile, the family reported that DCI officers had broken into Kinyagia’s home during his absence, seizing several items, an incident that was reported at Kinoo Police Station.
Thursday’s court appearance coincided with a separate directive by High Court Judge Chacha Mwita, who had summoned DCI Director Mohamed Amin to personally appear in court and account for Kinyagia’s whereabouts. Amin, in response, had denied that the National Police Service was holding Kinyagia, urging him instead to surrender to the nearest police station.
Kinyagia, a known political commentator, had reportedly been under investigation for allegedly publishing inflammatory online content. His disappearance sparked widespread concern, including speculation of abduction, prompting legal intervention and public scrutiny.
His reappearance and court attendance are expected to pave the way for further legal clarification and possible investigations into both the circumstances of his disappearance and the conduct of the authorities involved.
Written By Rodney Mbua
