A week of agonizing uncertainty culminated in a profoundly emotional scene at the Milimani Law Courts today, as missing blogger Ndiangui Kinyagia was finally presented before a judge. The courtroom was filled with palpable relief, none more evident than in the tears shed by his mother, who broke down as she embraced her son, safe but visibly impacted by his ordeal.
Ndiangui entered the courtroom under the protective escort of a formidable legal team, including seasoned lawyers Kibe Mungai and Senior Counsel Martha Karua. His appearance came directly in response to a stern directive issued by Justice Chacha Mwita on Tuesday, who had ordered that the blogger be produced in court, "dead or alive." This judicial ultimatum undoubtedly intensified the efforts to locate Kinyagia and ensure his presence.
The breakthrough in Kinyagia's case began late on Tuesday. Family lawyer Wahome Thuku confirmed early Thursday morning that Ndiangui had contacted his family, reassuring them that he was safe. This crucial communication ended a week of widespread concern and public outcry over his disappearance.
In a statement issued on Thursday morning, Thuku elaborated that Kinyagia had reached out to a family member on Tuesday evening from an undisclosed location. He had conveyed that he was in good health but had opted to go into hiding for fear of his life. This fear, according to Kinyagia, stemmed from learning that officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) were actively seeking him over unspecified allegations.
"Mr. Ndiangui indicated to the family member that he had hidden temporarily for fear of his life upon learning that DCI officers were looking for him over unknown criminal allegations,” Wahome Thuku stated, shedding light on the circumstances that led to the blogger's self-imposed disappearance.
Crucially, the blogger reportedly expressed his readiness to present himself to the DCI and to appear before a court of law. However, this willingness comes with a significant condition: his safety must be guaranteed.
“He is ready and willing to present himself to the DCI and to be presented before any court of law when his safety and security are guaranteed,” Thuku added. This condition highlights the very real concerns surrounding safety for individuals who come under the scrutiny of law enforcement, particularly in a climate where reports of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial actions have become increasingly prevalent.
