JOINT STATEMENT: Statement on the Re-Emergence of Ndiangui Kinyagua for Immediate Release

Nairobi, 3 July 2025: The Police Reforms Working Group receives confirmation in court this morning that Mr. Ndiangui Kinyagia is safe, bringing a sense of relief. It has been close to two weeks since he was reported missing. The nation has remained apprehensive about his safety after a large operation of DCI offices in multiple vehicles raided his home in Kinoo, Kiambu County, at 9 pm on Saturday, 21 June 2025, without a court order.

As we wait for further information on the circumstances of Mr. Kinyagia’s disappearance, we note that the spike in abductions and prolonged unlawful detention has caused national intimidation and deep fear among many Kenyans. It must be further noted that Mr. Kinyagia had no known police record, yet armed DCI officers chose to besiege and then raid his home over a weekend rather than issuing simple summons.

It should be noted that the raid took place weeks after the arrest and 88-hour detention of software coder Rose Njeri and the death in police custody of teacher Albert Ojwang’. It is our view that the weekly incidents of excessive use of police force, the practice of Friday arrests, and enforced disappearances have eroded public confidence in the National Police Service. In general, where a person is fearful and forced into hiding by police actions, ultimate responsibility still lies with the authorities.

We urge the Service to address this trust deficit and the fear by disbanding the multi-agency units and arrest the commanders and officers involved in the cases of enforced disappearances documented by several human rights organisations. We reiterate that police officers strictly follow procedures on the search, arrest and arraignment of suspects outlined in articles 49, 50, and 51 of the Constitution of Kenya.

We take this opportunity to thank the Judiciary, and in particular Hon. Justice Chacha Mwita, for his strict adherence to human rights and the rule of law. The application for habeas corpus is a critical mechanism for protecting the right to life and liberty as well as freedom from torture, cruel and inhumane punishment.

FIDA-Kenya Media Contact – Mark Owuor – owuorm@fidakenya.org

Police Reforms Working Group -Kenya Coalition Members

This statement is signed by the Police Reforms Working Group, an alliance of national and grassroots organisations committed to professional, accountable, and human rights-compliant policing. They include:  Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), Kariobangi Paralegal Network, Katiba Institute, Defenders Coalition, Social Justice Centres Working Group (SJCW), Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya), International Justice Mission (IJM-K), HAKI Africa, Amnesty International Kenya, Women Empowerment Link, Social Welfare Development Program (SOWED), Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA- Kenya), International Centre for Transitional Justice (ICTJ – Kenya), Transparency International Kenya, Shield For justice, Wangu Kanja Foundation, Constitution and Reform Education Consortium (CRECO), Kenyans for Peace, Truth and Justice (KPTJ) and Peace Brigades International Kenya (PBI Kenya).