The High Court has ordered for the immediate and unconditional release from custody of seven(7) youths allegedly abducted during the festive season by people suspected to be police officers.

Milimani High Court Judge Bahati Mwamuye ordered the Inspector General of Police (IG) Douglas Kanja to release Gideon Kibet, Ronny Kiplagat, Steve Kavingo Mbisi, Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, and Kelvin Muthoni. 

In the event the IG fails to produce the seven, “he is required to offer an explanation as to their whereabouts.”

Justice Mwamuye gave the orders following an application by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and the International Commission of Jurists-Kenya Section (ICJ) and15 others.

Justice Mwamuye certified as urgent the case by the two(2) rights organisations.

KNCHR and ICJ had named the IG, the National Police Service (NPS), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), National Intelligence Service (NIS), Cabinet Secretary Interior and National Administration (Kipchumba Murkomen), Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga, and the Attorney General as respondents.

“The respondents jointly and severally are hereby ordered to immediately and unconditionally set at liberty and or cause and secure the liberty of Gideon Kibet, Ronny Kiplagat, Steve Kavingo Mbisi, Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, and Kelvin Muthoni forthwith,” ordered Justice Mwamuye.

He also directed the respondents to produce in court the seven(7) on on Tuesday at 11am.

Earlier Busia Senator Okiya Omtata had filed a case at the Kibera High Court seeking orders to compel IG Kanja and Director Criminal Investigations (DCI) Amin Mohamed to produce seven abductees whether dead or alive.

He filed the case under a certificate of urgency through lawyers Dr Philip Langat and Felix Kiprono.

Mr Omtatah urged the court to order for the immediate release of the seven(7) abductees.