The mysterious disappearance of three men from Mlolongo in December 2024 has taken another grim turn. The body of Martin Mwau, the second of the so-called “Mlolongo 3,” was recently discovered at the Nairobi Funeral Home, formerly known as City Mortuary. This tragic discovery follows the identification of Justus Mutumwa’s body at the same facility earlier.
Mutumwa, Mwau, and Karani Muema went missing on December 16, 2024, sparking a frantic search by their families. For over a month, the families endured anguish, desperately seeking answers about the trio’s whereabouts. Mutumwa’s body was reportedly retrieved from Ruai and taken to the mortuary just two days after his disappearance. However, details about how and where Mwau’s body was recovered remain unclear.
The circumstances surrounding their disappearances and deaths have raised serious concerns. Families and human rights activists have been questioning the involvement of law enforcement agencies, as the trio’s case is shrouded in unanswered questions. Police agencies have repeatedly denied knowledge of the men’s whereabouts, fueling public outrage and calls for accountability.
The situation escalated after top police officials, including Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Mohammed Amin, ignored multiple court summons. When they finally appeared in court, both denied any connection to the disappearances and assured the court that investigations were ongoing.
With two bodies now identified, the whereabouts of the third man, Karani Muema, remain a painful mystery for his family. Advocacy groups and the victims’ families are demanding justice and a transparent investigation into the case. Pressure is mounting on the authorities to provide definitive answers and address the alarming rise in cases of unexplained disappearances.
As the investigation unfolds, the tragic case of the “Mlolongo 3” serves as a chilling reminder of the urgent need for reforms in handling enforced disappearances and protecting human rights in Kenya.
