Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has honored a court summons and appeared before Justice Alexander Muteti regarding the disappearance of Tanzanian activist Twaha Mwaipaya. Kanja's appearance was in response to a habeas corpus order issued on October 30, 2026, requiring the police to produce Mwaipaya live or dead before the court on November 2, 2026. The order also demanded the original detention warrant and asked the police to show cause why Mwaipaya should not be immediately released.
During the court appearance, Kanja stated that the police did not have Mwaipaya in their custody throughout Kenya. He informed the court that he was aware of the case and that a report had been made at the Ruai Police Station. Kanja emphasized that Mwaipaya was not arrested by police officers at any stage. The IG's appearance was part of compliance with the habeas corpus orders, and the Investigating Officer was present in court.
Kanja defended the police service, stating that every report made to the police is ordinarily investigated. He denied allegations of enforced disappearances by police, saying, "Not at all, we don’t abduct and make people disappear." Kanja added that any abduction is treated as an act of criminality. The IG submitted that Mwaipaya could not have been removed by police since he was never in their custody.
The case has garnered significant attention, with some accusing the police of sleeping on the job. However, Kanja maintained that the police take all reports seriously and investigate them accordingly. The court had ordered the police to produce Mwaipaya or show cause why he should not be released. The matter was mentioned on Monday, with Kanja's appearance being a crucial part of the proceedings.
The disappearance of Twaha Mwaipaya has raised concerns about human rights and police accountability in Kenya. Mwaipaya, a Tanzanian activist, went missing, prompting his family and friends to seek legal action. The court has been actively involved in following up on the case, issuing orders to ensure that the police provide information about Mwaipaya's whereabouts.
Justice Muteti had previously expressed concern about Mwaipaya's disappearance and the lack of information about his fate. The court's orders were aimed at compelling the police to provide answers and take responsibility for Mwaipaya's disappearance. Kanja's appearance in court was a significant development in the case, as it provided an opportunity for the police to present their side of the story.
The case is ongoing, with the court expected to continue hearing submissions and determining the next course of action. The police have assured the court that investigations are ongoing, and the Investigating Officer is working to uncover the truth about Mwaipaya's disappearance. The outcome of the case will have implications for police accountability and human rights in Kenya.
Key points
- IG Douglas Kanja appears in court over Twaha Mwaipaya disappearance case
- Kanja denies allegations of enforced disappearances by police
- Court orders police to produce Mwaipaya live or dead by November 2, 2026
