The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has denied detaining missing blogger and activist Ndiangui Kinyagia, whose disappearance has now entered its tenth day, igniting public outcry and online campaigns.
DCI’s Statement on the Case
During a press briefing on Monday, DCI Director Mohamed Amin addressed the concerns surrounding Kinyagia’s disappearance. While acknowledging that Kinyagia is a person of interest in an ongoing investigation, Amin firmly stated that the blogger is not in the custody of the National Police Service.
“Ndiangui Kinyagia became a person of interest after publishing inflammatory content on social media,” Amin explained.
The investigation linked Kinyagia to a controversial social media account that shared posts interpreted by authorities as inciting public unrest. Amin revealed that officers conducted a search at Kinyagia’s residence in Kinoo, recovering electronic devices believed to be critical to the investigation.
“We conducted a lawful search at his apartment, recovered several gadgets, and prepared an inventory countersigned by the building’s caretaker,” Amin noted. “However, Kinyagia himself was not found during the operation.”
Disappearance Sparks Concern
Kinyagia was last seen over a week ago, shortly after posting a contentious programme related to the June 25 anti-government protests. Some of his online content was interpreted as a call for regime change, drawing scrutiny from law enforcement.
Earlier in the day, the High Court issued a directive to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and DCI Director Amin to produce Kinyagia or appear in court on July 1 to explain his whereabouts. This came after Kinyagia’s family and civil rights organisations filed a habeas corpus petition, alleging enforced disappearance.
Despite the court order, Amin maintained that the government has no knowledge of Kinyagia’s location.
“I want to reassure Kenyans that Ndiangui is not under the custody of the National Police Service,” Amin emphasized. “We urge him to present himself to the nearest police station for questioning.”
Public Outcry Intensifies
Kinyagia’s disappearance has triggered widespread concern, with human rights organisations warning of potential violations of constitutional rights. Social media campaigns, including the trending hashtag #WhereIsNdiagui, have amplified calls for transparency and accountability from authorities.
Kinyagia’s family remains distraught, stating they have not heard from him since he vanished. They continue to demand answers and accountability from the government, urging officials to come clean about his fate.
A Growing Debate on Rights and Freedoms
The case has reignited debates about the balance between national security and individual freedoms. Activists and citizens alike are questioning the methods used to address dissent, urging the government to uphold constitutional protections while addressing potential threats.
As the investigation unfolds, all eyes remain on the July 1 court session, where authorities are expected to shed light on Kinyagia’s whereabouts and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
