The missing Kitengela brothers Jamil and Aslam Longton, alongside activist Bob Njagi, have been found alive in Kiambu County, days after their disappearance following the anti-government protests on August 19, 2024. The news of their recovery has brought relief to family members, human rights defenders, and the broader public, who had been anxiously waiting for any information regarding their whereabouts.
Disappearance After Protests
The two brothers, Jamil and Aslam, had gone missing in the wake of demonstrations against government policies in Kitengela. These protests, which were part of a broader wave of dissent across the country, had attracted significant public attention. Human rights activists, opposition leaders, and many Kenyans had raised concerns over the growing number of enforced disappearances in the context of political activism.
Similarly, Bob Njagi, a well-known activist and critic of government policies, also disappeared around the same time. His sudden vanishing caused concern, especially since he had been an active participant in the protests that highlighted issues such as police brutality and government mismanagement.
Their families, alongside civil society groups, had expressed fears that they may have been abducted by government agents, an accusation that law enforcement bodies have denied.
The Brothers’ Ordeal
According to a statement made by Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President, Faith Odhiambo, the brothers were found dumped in Gachie, a region bordering Kiambu and Nairobi counties. Speaking through her social media account on X (formerly known as Twitter), Odhiambo expressed gratitude for the safe recovery of the two men.
“I am informed that Jamil Longton and his brother Aslam were dumped at Gachie border of Kiambu and Nairobi by their captors. Every prayer and intervention made a difference. We thank God that they are safe!” she said.
In a video shared on the same platform, the brothers thanked Kenyans for their overwhelming support during their time of distress. They described their ordeal as harrowing, detailing how they were abandoned in the bush and had to rely on the goodwill of strangers to regain communication with their families.
“We thank Kenyans for standing with us. We were dumped in the bush in Gachie and had to seek refuge at a home where we charged our mobile phones and reached out to our families,” the brothers said in the video.
While they expressed deep gratitude to the public, Jamil and Aslam stated that they would communicate any further information regarding their situation through LSK President Faith Odhiambo, possibly hinting at the need for caution and legal support in the coming days.
Activist Bob Njagi’s Discovery
In a separate incident, activist Bob Njagi was found alive in Tigoni, also within Kiambu County. His father, Longman Njagi, confirmed the news during an interview with Hot 96 FM. According to Longman, he received a call from officers at the Tigoni Police Station informing him that his son had been found.
“I was called late at night and informed by officers from Tigoni Police Station that my son was found alive,” he told the radio station. The activist was subsequently picked up by his brother from the police station.
The relief in Longman’s voice was palpable as he thanked God for the safe return of his son. “We have been down on our knees praying. We are very grateful,” he added, expressing the overwhelming joy felt by the family.
Police Deny Involvement
The news of their discovery came just hours after the newly appointed Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, publicly stated that the National Police Service (NPS) was not holding the three men. Kanja had maintained that the police had no involvement in their disappearance, adding that law enforcement agencies were actively investigating the matter to ensure the safe return of the missing persons.
However, the mysterious circumstances surrounding their abduction and subsequent release continue to fuel suspicions and accusations against the government. Civil society groups, human rights defenders, and opposition politicians have often criticized the police for their alleged role in such disappearances, a claim that the police vehemently deny.
The return of the brothers and the activist marks a positive outcome, though questions linger about who was responsible for their abduction and what motivated it. Calls for accountability remain strong as Kenyans continue to grapple with the growing number of unexplained disappearances tied to political activism.
Public Reactions and the Way Forward
The reappearance of Jamil, Aslam, and Bob has sparked jubilation across social media, with many Kenyans offering their prayers and well wishes. However, alongside the celebrations, there is a strong call for a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to their abductions. Many believe that this incident reflects a broader issue in Kenya regarding the state’s treatment of dissent.
Human rights organizations, including the Law Society of Kenya, have committed to supporting the brothers and Njagi in seeking justice. The families of the three men, while thankful for their return, are still dealing with the trauma of the past days and are eager to know who was behind their ordeal.
As Kenya grapples with its political and social challenges, this case highlights the need for transparency, justice, and the protection of civil rights, ensuring that no citizen is unlawfully detained or subjected to such harrowing experiences.
