
Reporter, Irene Onyango
The Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Mohamed Amin finally honoured court summons after several failures.
The bosses appeared before Justice Chacha Mwita on 30th January 2025 after multiple court summons to address abduction cases reported in Kenya since the anti-government protests in June 2024.
Kanja took the stand and confirmed that reports of missing persons had been officially lodged at Athi-River and Mlolongo police stations.
“Upon receiving these reports, I directed the DCI to commence investigations, assigning Assistant Inspector General Paul Wachira as the lead investigator.
The IG categorically denied that any of the missing persons from Mlolongo were in police custody.
“As a law-abiding citizen who respects the courts and their orders, I wish to confirm that none of the individuals reported missing are in the custody of the National Police Service,” Kanja said.
While being cross-examined by Malidzo Nyawa, the petitioners’ lawyer, on whether Kenyans could still feel safe despite the increasing cases of abductions, the IG reassured the court that security remained a top priority.
“I want to assure the people of Kenya that they are safe. We have just come from the Christmas festive season, and I want to emphasize that security is our priority,” he said.
DCI boss Mohamed Amin echoed the sentiments of his boss emphasizing that investigations were ongoing to determine the whereabouts of the missing persons.
He reiterated that the police had no custody of the missing persons.

“Under these circumstances, we cannot produce their bodies, nor can we prefer any charges against them. The Constitution is clear that any person arrested must be presented before a court of law within 24 hours,” Amin added.
Lead Investigator Paul Wachira provided a detailed update on the progress of the investigations, confirming that three reports of missing persons had been received.
Wachira told the court that investigation on the disappearance of two individuals, Justus Mutumwa and Martin Mwau who went missing on 17th December 2024 started by first tracing the locations where they were last seen, interviewing witnesses and recording statements.
According to Wachira, the duo were last seen riding a Honda motorcycle, registration number KMGM, as they departed for Kitui on a business trip.
Wachira told the court that the police have engaged both private and government agencies to assist in gathering evidence based on witness statements.