By Dories Kwamboka
Blogger and computer scientist Ndiang’ui Kinyagia has resurfaced after several days of uncertainty, appearing before the Milimani Law Courts on Thursday morning under heightened public and judicial scrutiny.
Kinyagia, known for his outspoken criticism of government policy, vanished shortly after posting a protest strategy linked to the recent anti-finance bill demonstrations held on June 25.
His disappearance drew widespread alarm, triggering concerns from civil society, the media, and human rights organizations across the country.
His return followed a dramatic court directive ordering his production “dead or alive,” after authorities failed to confirm his whereabouts.
Family lawyer Wahome Thuku revealed that Kinyagia had gone into hiding out of fear for his safety.
According to Thuku, officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had been pursuing Kinyagia for unspecified reasons, prompting him to sever contact and seek shelter in an undisclosed location.
On Tuesday evening, Kinyagia re-established communication with a relative, assuring his family that he was alive and in good health.
He explained that he feared for his life after learning of the DCI’s interest in him.
He emphasized a willingness to cooperate with any legal processes, but only under conditions that guarantee his security.
Earlier Thursday, Kinyagia appeared in court flanked by lawyers Kibe Mungai and Martha Karua.
Judge Chacha Mwita granted the family permission to seek medical care for him and ruled that Kinyagia would not be arrested, as he is now a petitioner in the ongoing matter.
The judge further stated that while he may be required to record a statement with the DCI, he must not be detained or harassed.
The DCI, which had denied arresting the blogger, was compelled to respond after allegedly raiding his residence and seizing personal belongings.
The agency’s director, Mohamed Amin, was summoned and appeared before the court to account for the operations.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has been engaged for legal analysis and to facilitate Kinyagia’s case, underscoring the broader implications of his disappearance on press freedom and civic rights.
In a statement of gratitude, Kinyagia’s family extended thanks to Kenyans at home and in the diaspora for their solidarity during what they described as a “deeply trying moment.”
They expressed hope that justice and due process would be upheld, with assurances that the blogger will not face arbitrary detention.
The case is scheduled for further hearing on July 18 and 24 at 10:30 a.m., as the country watches closely for developments that could set precedent in the balance between national security and the right to dissent.
