Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, appeared before the court on Thursday after previously failing to respond to a summons. During the session, he informed the judge that the three brothers who went missing in December were not in police custody, marking a crucial update in the case.
While addressing Justice Chacha Mwita at Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi, Kanja responded to the demand for the missing individuals to be presented in court, asserting that they were not detained at any police facility. “Your honour, none of them are in our custody. I want to clarify before this court that we do not have them,” he declared.
He also stated that the National Police Service (NPS) had been investigating the case, and upon learning of their disappearance, he instructed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to initiate inquiries.
DCI boss Amin confirmed that investigations were ongoing and emphasized that once completed, the case file would be forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). “Investigations are progressing, and once finalized, we will submit the files to the ODPP,” he said. Amin reiterated that the missing men were not in police custody, stressing, “They have not been arrested, and they are not under our detention.
“However, he explained that they could not comply with the court order to produce the individuals, as their whereabouts remained unknown. “We cannot present them in court nor pursue any charges against them because they are not in our custody,” Amin stated.Both Kanja and Amin had previously failed to appear in court despite summonses regarding the disappearance of the three men in Mlolongo in December.
Kanja had earlier assured the public of his willingness to comply, emphasizing his respect for the law. “When it is time for me to appear, I will do so. When I am ready, I will stand before the court,” he told reporters at a press conference in Kwale County on January 23.
This came after an earlier attempt to avoid appearing in court, though Justice Mwita ruled that both police officials had been properly served with orders regarding the case.At the time of reporting, the court permitted Kanja and Amin to leave after complying with the summons, though legal proceedings on the matter remained active. Further updates on the case will be provided as developments unfold.
