Kenya's Inspector-General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has been ordered to appear in court to explain the whereabouts of missing Tanzanian activist Twaha Mwaipaya. The directive was issued by High Court judge Alexander Muteti on November 3, 2026. Lawyer Martha Karua had asked the court to require Mr Kanja and Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Mohamed Amin, to appear in person and account for Mr Mwaipaya's disappearance.
Mr Mwaipaya, a former Chadema leader, was allegedly abducted on October 25 while traveling in a taxi in Kamulu, Machakos County, near Nairobi. He was reportedly intercepted by unidentified people traveling in three vehicles, including a Toyota Land Cruiser Hardtop, and taken away. His whereabouts and condition remain unknown despite efforts by activists, Amnesty International Kenya, and Chadema to trace him.
The court had previously ordered Mr Kanja and Mr Amin to produce Mr Mwaipaya before it on November 3, alive or dead, and explain the circumstances surrounding his alleged arrest and detention. However, during the proceedings, State Counsel Christopher Marwa opposed the request, saying the relevant court order had been complied with and investigations were ongoing.
Ms Karua argued that police had known about the disappearance since October 25 and should have launched investigations immediately. She also argued that sending junior officers to court would not be sufficient, saying Kenyans, Ugandans, and Tanzanians wanted answers from the two senior police officials.
In his ruling, Justice Muteti directed Mr Kanja to appear in person on November 4, 2026, saying that, as head of Kenya's police service, he was best placed to explain whether police officers or other government agents were involved in Mr Mwaipaya's disappearance. The judge also expressed concern that the government had failed to file an affidavit addressing the matter, despite its seriousness and the fact that it involved the liberty of a foreign national.
The judge further noted that Attorney-General Dorcas Oduor, as the government's principal legal adviser under Article 156 of the Constitution, should ensure full cooperation with the court in matters involving the liberty of foreign nationals. Mr Mwaipaya's disappearance has attracted widespread public attention, with many calling for his safe return.
The case has raised concerns about the safety of human rights activists in Kenya and the need for the police to take prompt action in investigating reports of missing persons. Key officials are now expected to provide answers on the issue.
Key points
- Kenya's police chief has been summoned to court over the disappearance of a Tanzanian activist.
- The activist, Twaha Mwaipaya, was allegedly abducted on October 25 near Nairobi.
- The court has ordered the police chief to appear in person to explain the circumstances surrounding Mr Mwaipaya's disappearance.
