The High Court has ordered for the immediate release of six people who are reportedly abducted.
The six are Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, Billy Mwangi, Gideon Kibet, Rony Kiplangat and Steve Kavingo.
Justice Bahati Mwamunye also directed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja Kirocho to produce the six in court on Tuesday,31 December.
Kanja is expected to immediately facilitate the compliance with the Court’s directive both personally and in his capacity as IG.
The Court has emphasised that failure to adhere to the order will invite penal sanctions for contempt of court.
“The 9th Respondent, Douglas Kanja Kirocho, shall in his capacity as the 1st Respondent and also in his capacity as the 9th Respondent, personally secure compliance with Orders (1) and (2) above and shall consequently personally produce the 2nd – 7th Petitioners/Applicants before this Court or the Milimani High Court Criminal Duty Court on 31/12/2024 at 11:00AM in physical/open court; and summons to that effect be and are hereby issued to him,” the judge directed.
In addition, the Court has issued a conservatory order, restraining the respondents from arresting, detaining, continuing to detain, charging, or prosecuting the detained individuals with respect to any criminal offence unless permitted by the High Court.
Justice Bahati further ordered the Director-General of the National Transport and Safety Authority, George Njao, or a designated officer, to appear before the court on 3 January 2025, to provide specific vehicle records related to the case.
Commenting on the orders, Law Society of Kenya Faith Odhiambo said they are prepared to exhaustively prosecute such proceedings for contempt, should the order be disregarded by the IG and officers under his command.
“We reiterate our commitment to ensure these orders are served upon and adhered to by the relevant individuals,” Odhiambo said.
