The fate of Inspector General (IG) Douglas Kanja and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Mohamed Amin will be determined next week, following the High Court’s ruling on whether to set aside orders compelling their attendance in court. The orders, which require the two top law enforcement officers to produce three men allegedly abducted in Mlolongo, have remained in force since they were issued by Justice Chacha Mwita earlier this month.
On January 8 and 13, Justice Mwita directed Kanja and Amin to appear in court and account for the whereabouts of the three Mlolongo men, who have been missing since their abduction in December 2024. The judge specifically required that they produce the men, either dead or alive, in court to clarify their status. The High Court’s decision to issue the orders stems from ongoing concerns about human rights violations, particularly enforced disappearances, which have raised public outcry.
Justice Mwita’s ruling to maintain the orders for the time being means that the two top officers will still be bound by the court’s instruction until the matter is resolved next week. The continued pressure on the police leadership has intensified scrutiny over their role in the case and the ongoing allegations of misconduct by law enforcement agencies in abduction cases.
The ruling set to take place on Thursday next week is expected to address whether the orders should stand, or if Kanja and Amin will be allowed to provide an explanation or release the men without facing further legal action. Their ability to comply with the court’s directives is critical, as it will have significant implications for the ongoing investigation into the alleged abductions.
This case has attracted national attention, with civil rights groups and concerned citizens demanding accountability from the police, especially with the persistent issue of abductions and disappearances linked to state actors. Human rights defenders argue that such actions undermine the credibility of security agencies and contribute to growing mistrust between the public and law enforcement.
The government’s response to the court’s orders will be closely monitored, with many hoping for a transparent investigation and justice for the families of the missing Mlolongo men. As the ruling date draws closer, all eyes will be on the High Court’s decision, which could set a significant precedent for how the legal system handles cases of this nature and the accountability of top police officials in Kenya.
Next week’s court session will undoubtedly be pivotal in determining the course of the investigation and whether justice will prevail in this troubling case.
