The High Court has summoned Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Japhet Kanja to appear on January 8, 2025, to explain why six Kenyans allegedly abducted by state authorities have not been released.
The court had previously ordered the immediate release of the six individuals: Gideon Kibet, Bernard Kavuli, Peter Muteti, Billy Mwangi, Rony Kiplangat, and Steve Kavingo, who were reportedly abducted and unlawfully detained by security agencies.
However, state authorities have yet to comply with the directive.
In issuing the summons, Justice Bahati Mwamuyé also barred the prosecution of the six individuals pending the outcome of a related case filed by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
The judge said that no legal action should be taken against the abductees while the case is ongoing.
May be an image of 2 people and text that says “N nation.africa nation. africa December December31,2024 31, 2024 蛋 SMS SMS>20688 20688 BREAKING NEWS HIGH COURT orders Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and IG Kanja to attend court on January 8, 2025 to explain why six Kenyans who were abducted have not been released.”
The summons follows a certificate of urgency filed by the petitioners, who claim they were detained without due process. Justice Mwamuyé’s orders have been widely welcomed by human rights groups and legal practitioners, who see it as a critical step in holding state authorities accountable for alleged abuse of power.
This case has brought renewed scrutiny to the government’s adherence to the rule of law and respect for civil liberties. The court’s decision to summon high-ranking officials highlights the seriousness of the allegations and sets a precedent for accountability.
The Interior Ministry and National Police Service are yet to respond to the allegations or the court’s orders, fueling growing public interest in the case.
By Newsmedia