Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja has told the High Court in Kenya that Twaha Mwaipaya, a Tanzanian national who went missing on October 25, 2026, is not in the custody of the Kenyan police. Appearing before Justice Alexander Muteti, Mr Kanja said the police had neither arrested nor detained Mwaipaya at any police station in the country. He stated that he was not aware of Mwaipaya's presence in Kenya.
The court heard that Mwaipaya had been seeking asylum in Kenya. However, Mr Kanja and his lawyers denied knowledge of his presence in the country or his alleged extradition to Tanzania. The judge asked Mr Kanja if he was aware that Mwaipaya was arrested by police at Kamulu within Nairobi and removed from the country to Tanzania. Mr Kanja responded that he had no information linking the police to the alleged arrest and extradition.
According to Mr Kanja, Mwaipaya's relatives reported him missing at Kamulu Police Station, Nairobi County, and investigations are underway to establish his whereabouts. He described investigations into abductions as complex, requiring patience, but maintained that the police were treating the matter seriously. Mwaipaya was allegedly arrested while in the company of another person who has since recorded a statement with the police.
Mr Kanja denied allegations that police officers were being used in cross-border abductions that have rocked the country in recent years. He stated that abduction is a criminal activity that the police treat with seriousness and that those involved face the full force of the law. The IG also assured the court that the police are committed to resolving the matter.
Responding to questions from defence lawyer Martha Karua, Mr Kanja said he had discussed the growing cases of abductions with relevant security agencies during National Security Council meetings. However, he declined to divulge details of the discussions, citing security concerns. Mr Kanja added that he had consulted various government agencies, including the Immigration Department.
The Immigration Department, according to Mr Kanja, had no positive report confirming that Mwaipaya had been removed from Kenya. The police are continuing to investigate Mwaipaya's disappearance and are working to establish his whereabouts. The case has raised concerns about cross-border abductions and the involvement of security agencies.
The court is yet to make a ruling on the matter. Mwaipaya's disappearance has sparked fears about the safety of asylum seekers and refugees in Kenya. The Kenyan government has been urged to take steps to ensure the safety and security of all individuals within its borders.
Key points
- Kenyan police deny holding missing Tanzanian national Twaha Mwaipaya.
- Investigations into Mwaipaya's disappearance are ongoing.
- Police deny involvement in cross-border abductions.
