Ndiangui Kinyagia: Missing Blogger Resurfaces, Says He Hid from DCI Fearing for His Life
- Blogger Ndiangui Kinyagia, reported missing for several days, resurfaced after contacting a relative from an undisclosed location
- His family revealed he went into hiding, fearing for his safety, after learning he was being sought by DCI officers
- His resurfacing comes after DCI Director Mohamed Amin was directed to appear before the court to explain his whereabouts
- Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, lawyer Susan Mbula said habeas corpus ensures personal safety while holding the state accountable and transparent
TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
Ndiangui Kinyagia vanished without a trace, but has now made contact, offering a glimpse into why he chose to disappear.
Source: UGC
The family of the blogger and tech expert, who had been reported missing since the previous week, has confirmed that he is alive, safe, and in good health.
In a statement issued by their lawyer, Wahome Thuku, on Thursday, July 3, it was disclosed that Kinyagia reached out to a family member on Tuesday evening.
Why did Kinyagia go into hiding?
He was reportedly speaking from an undisclosed location where he had been hiding after learning that detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) were pursuing him over unclear criminal allegations.
"On behalf of the family, I wish to inform Kenyans and the public that Ndiangui, who went missing has contacted family and is well, healthy and safe," the statement read in part.
According to the statement, Kinyagia told the family that he feared for his life, prompting him to stay away.
"He indicated that he had hidden temporarily for fear of his life upon learning that DCI were looking for him over unknown criminal allegations," the statement continued.
He indicated that he is willing to cooperate with authorities and appear in court, but only once he is assured of his safety.
Source: Original
Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, Nairobi-based constitutional lawyer and governance analyst Susan Mbula explained the legal nuance surrounding habeas corpus proceedings.
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Mbula noted that the court's intervention serves both as a protective mechanism and a tool to ensure transparency in state operations.
“The court’s issuance of a habeas corpus order affirms that the state must be held accountable when a person’s liberty is in question, regardless of whether the individual later resurfaces. Ndiangui’s fears may be valid, but the legal process must now establish whether those fears were based on credible threats or miscommunication,” Mbula told TUKO.co.ke.
Will Ndiangui appear in court?
His legal team advised him to present himself before the High Court at Milimani on Thursday, July 3, at 11am, a move they believe will ensure fairness and transparency.
"Ndiangui indicated that 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 is guaranteed. We have therefore advised him to present himself before the High Court," Wahome wrote.
The Law Society of Kenya has reportedly been informed of these developments and is expected to analyse the matter and support the legal process.
What happened while Ndiangui was missing?
Kinyagia’s disappearance triggered a wave of public outcry, particularly on social media, where users demanded transparency and questioned the prolonged silence from authorities.
The incident came at a time when security agencies were under growing public scrutiny for their handling of protest-related cases, raising further suspicion over the blogger’s sudden disappearance.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja was summoned by the court to explain Kinyagia’s whereabouts, but he failed to honour the summons, sparking further criticism.
In response, the court escalated the matter by summoning the Director of Criminal Investigations, Mohamed Amin, to appear and provide clarity on Kinyagia’s location.
What did the judge direct after Ndiangui's appearance?
Justice Chacha Mwita directed that the case be adjourned to allow Ndiangui, who had gone missing for 13 days, to seek medical attention and brief his family and lawyers about events that transpired during the period he was in hiding.
The habeas corpus petition (produce the missing person, whether dead or alive) filed by human rights groups on behalf of Ndiangui, who is listed as the second petitioner, will remain active and be treated as evidence in the proceedings.
The respondents (National Police Service and Directorate of Criminal Investigations) were given seven days to file responses to the petition.
The judge further issued orders barring the respondents from arresting Ndiangui until the petition is heard and determined.
The matter is scheduled to be heard on Thursday, July 17, and Thursday, July 24.
Ndiangui's lawyer, Wahome Thuku, said he will advise his client on the next course of action once he briefs him about what transpired before, during, and after his disappearance.
A section of advocates and human rights activists called out the blogger for allegedly staging his abduction.
They claimed the move had tainted their well-meaning efforts to fight and end rising cases of police brutality and impunity.
Masolo Mabonga, HOD Current Affairs and Politics, updated this story with details about Justice Chacha Mwita's orders after the appearance of blogger Ndiangui Kinyagia.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
