Human rights activist Boniface Mulinge Muteti has spoken out about his harrowing experience after being abducted from his home and later found dumped in Lukenya, Machakos County. Muteti, who was receiving treatment in hospital, revealed that his alleged abductors had been monitoring his movements before taking him away. He stated that they repeatedly questioned him about his activism, leaving him uncertain about the specific reason for his abduction.
According to Muteti, the people who abducted him asked him numerous questions about his activities, but he was unable to determine the exact reason for his targeting. He mentioned that the abductors would ask him, "Kwa nini nimekuwa nasumbua?" which translates to "Why have I been disturbing you?" Muteti's disappearance had raised concern among his family and human rights defenders, who reported the matter to the police and called for urgent efforts to locate him.
Muteti was found in the Lukenya area, where he had allegedly been dumped at around 3 am. His ordeal has sparked widespread concern, with civil society groups and leaders condemning the incident and calling for investigations into the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. Vocal Africa director Hussein Khalid visited Muteti at the hospital, along with other civil society representatives, and demanded a thorough investigation into the matter.
Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo, who also visited Muteti, announced that legal steps would be taken to establish what happened to him and pursue accountability. Maanzo stated that they would consider several legal options, including a habeas corpus application, to compel those holding a person to present them before court and explain the basis for their detention. This process allows a court to require authorities or another person holding an individual to produce them before the court and give reasons for the detention.
The case has drawn attention to the reported disappearance of other activists, with civil society groups calling for action to establish their whereabouts. The representatives who visited Muteti demanded the immediate release of activist Collins Otieno, who they said was still missing. They urged the authorities to establish Otieno's whereabouts and deal with any allegations against him through the established legal process.
The incident has raised concerns about human rights and activism in Kenya, with many calling for greater protection for activists and an end to enforced disappearances. Muteti's experience has highlighted the risks faced by human rights defenders in the country, and the need for greater accountability and transparency in the handling of such cases. The authorities have been urged to take swift action to investigate the matter and bring those responsible to justice.
As Muteti continues to receive treatment in hospital, his case has sparked a wider conversation about the safety and security of human rights activists in Kenya. The incident has also raised questions about the role of the police and other authorities in protecting human rights defenders and ensuring that those responsible for abuses are held accountable. An investigation into Muteti's disappearance is ongoing, and many are waiting to see what actions will be taken to bring those responsible to justice.
Key points
- Human rights activist Boniface Mulinge Muteti was abducted from his home and later found dumped in Lukenya, Machakos County.
- Muteti's disappearance had raised concern among his family and human rights defenders, who reported the matter to the police and called for urgent efforts to locate him.
- The incident has drawn attention to the reported disappearance of other activists, with civil society groups calling for action to establish their whereabouts.
