The unsettling shadow of enforced disappearances has long loomed over Kenya, sparking deep public concern and a relentless demand for accountability. Now, a case that gripped the nation, shrouded in mystery and allegations, is poised for an extraordinary revelation. Ndiang’ui Kinyagia, a prominent IT expert and activist whose controversial disappearance ignited widespread alarm, has courageously declared his readiness to take the stand in the High Court and shed light on the full details of his alleged abduction. This pivotal development injects a powerful new twist into an already complex legal saga.
Appearing before the esteemed Justice Chacha Mwita, Kinyagia conveyed his unwavering willingness to publicly recount his experience. Justice Mwita, recognizing the profound public interest and the gravity of the situation, warmly welcomed Kinyagia's decision to speak out, affirming that "the country deserves to know the truth." To facilitate a comprehensive testimony, the judge granted Kinyagia a crucial 14-day period to secure legal representation and meticulously prepare his statement. The nation now anticipates September 16, 2025, when Kinyagia and his cousin, Lilian Wanjiku—who was also reported missing and later resurfaced—are slated to take the witness stand.
The circumstances surrounding Kinyagia’s disappearance had initially plunged the nation into a state of alarm. He had been missing for several days following a reported raid on his residence. His family vividly recounted how over ten unmarked Subaru vehicles, allegedly linked to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), descended upon his home. They claimed officers forcefully broke into his house without a warrant, seizing valuable personal property including two laptops, two phones, passports, and other crucial documents. Before their departure, a cryptic handwritten inventory on paper bearing the DCI logo was allegedly left behind, preceding the locking up of the house. This chilling narrative fuelled public anxiety and intensified calls for answers.
Adding a new layer to the unfolding legal drama, Senior Counsel Martha Karua, who had been instrumental in filing the initial petition against the DCI alongside the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), has now formally expressed her intention to withdraw from the case. The LSK had originally thrown its weight behind the petition, which directly accused the DCI of involvement in Kinyagia’s alleged disappearance, highlighting the serious nature of the allegations that have permeated public discourse.
Kinyagia’s case resonated profoundly with the public, particularly among Gen Z protesters and digital activists. He had distinguished himself as one of the most visible online voices during the monumental youth-led protests on June 25, which vocally challenged prevailing government policies and rallied vigorously against instances of perceived police brutality. His sudden disappearance, therefore, amplified the existing public outcry, becoming a poignant symbol of the broader concerns regarding human rights and accountability in Kenya.
