Activist Mulinge Muteti has spoken out about his reported abduction, revealing that the people who took him had been following him from his home. Muteti made these remarks while receiving treatment in a hospital bed on Friday. According to Muteti, the alleged abductors questioned him about his activism during the ordeal. He noted that this was not the first time he had been followed. Muteti's account comes amid growing concern among civil society groups over the reported disappearance of other activists.
Muteti described the ordeal, stating that the people who abducted him asked several questions, making it difficult for him to establish the specific reason for his alleged abduction. He recalled being asked, "Kwa nini nimekuwa nasumbua?" which translates to "Why have I been disturbing you?" Muteti was found dumped in the Lukenya area of Machakos County at around 3 am. His disappearance had heightened concerns among his family and human rights defenders, prompting them to report the matter to the police and call for urgent intervention.
Civil society representatives, including Vocal Africa director Hussein Khalid and Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo, visited Muteti and condemned the incident. Maanzo called for action, stressing that they would pursue legal mechanisms over the matter. He mentioned that legal avenues, including a habeas corpus application, would be considered to establish what happened to Muteti and ensure those responsible are held to account. A habeas corpus application is a legal mechanism through which a court can require authorities or another person holding an individual to produce them before the court and explain the basis for their detention.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of activists in Kenya. Muteti's disappearance and alleged abduction have added to the growing list of reported cases of missing activists. His family and human rights defenders had reported the matter to the police and called for urgent intervention to establish his whereabouts. The groups also demanded the immediate release of activist Collins Otieno, who they said remained missing.
Representatives of several civil society organisations called for investigations into the circumstances surrounding Muteti's disappearance. They demanded that Otieno's whereabouts be established and that any allegations against him, if any, be handled through established legal procedures. Khalid emphasised the need for Otieno's immediate release, stating that due process must take place if anyone had committed any wrong.
The incident has sparked a strong reaction from civil society groups, with many calling for action to be taken to ensure the safety of activists. Muteti's account of his ordeal has raised concerns about the security situation for activists in Kenya. The groups have vowed to pursue the matter and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The case has highlighted the challenges faced by activists in Kenya, who often face harassment and intimidation. Muteti's experience has added to the growing concerns about the safety of activists in the country. The incident has sparked a renewed call for action to be taken to protect activists and ensure that those responsible for any wrongdoing are held accountable.
Key points
- Activist Mulinge Muteti was reportedly abducted and later found dumped in the Lukenya area of Machakos County.
- Muteti's alleged abductors questioned him about his activism during the ordeal.
- Civil society groups have called for investigations into the circumstances surrounding Muteti's disappearance and the release of activist Collins Otieno.
