High Court Dismisses IG Kanja’s Plea in Kitengela 3 Case

The High Court has dismissed an application by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja Kirocho and Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Mohamed Amin, in which they denied receiving court orders to appear in a case involving the abduction of three men from Mlolongo.

Justice Chacha Mwita ruled that the two police chiefs were duly served through the official email of the National Police Service, emphasizing that public officers’ contacts are public information.

“I am persuaded that they were served with the application and orders issued,” Justice Mwita stated.

Consequently, the court has ordered IG Kanja and DCI Amin to appear in person on January 30, 2025, to address concerns over the disappearances. The judge stressed that ensuring the safety of the missing men remains the court’s top priority, dismissing the officers’ appeal as contrary to public interest.

Initially, the court had issued summons on January 8, which were enforced on January 13, requiring the officers to explain the disappearances. However, Kanja and Amin sought to quash the orders, arguing they had not been properly notified and were condemned unheard.

In his ruling, Justice Mwita declined to suspend the orders, asserting that constitutional rights must be balanced and prioritized in favor of the most vulnerable.

“The arrested individuals were not presented in court within 24 hours as required by law, and their families remain unaware of their whereabouts,” he noted.

The judge reiterated the importance of accountability, stating that the officers must provide answers regarding the incident and the fate of additional individuals reportedly arrested on December 16, 2024.