Police Refuse To Release Abducted Kenyans held incommunicado After Court Order
The High Court ordered the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and the National Police Service (NPS), led by Inspector General Japhet Koome, to release all abducted Kenyans who were held incommunicado.
In an order issued Wednesday evening, the court ordered the two security agencies to release the abducted Kenyans immediately and unconditionally.
The court noted that 24 hours had passed since the abductions were reported, rendering the detentions unlawful.
“THAT Noting that it is over twenty-four hours since the abductions complained of took place, an ORDER is hereby issued Directing the respondents, their agents and or servants, to IMMEDIATELY and UNCONDITIONALLY RELEASE the 2nd to 13th petitioners, pending the hearing and determination of this application,” read the order in part.
The court issued the orders following a case filed by 13 petitioners against the National Intelligence Service and the Inspector General of Police, citing the abductions.
In the petition, the presiding judge issued an ultimatum to the respondents to file responses to the application within two days after being served.
In addition, the court ordered the release of anyone other than the petitioners who had been held incommunicado for protesting the controversial legislation.
The High Court also ordered that the respondents in the case appear before the court within two days to confirm their compliance with the orders.
“THAT The respondents or their duly authorized representatives do appear in court on 28th June 2024 at 9.am to confirm compliance with court order No.2 above, and for further directions on the hearing of the application and petition,” read the statement in part.
The orders come in response to a widespread outcry from civil society and the general public following the abduction and detention of influential social media users.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, Azimio leaders, led by Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, stated that if the abducted Kenyans are not released, they will seek alternative ways to hold the national government accountable.
Kalonzo accused the President of being stubborn, taking a hardline position, and what he described as operating outside the constitution.
Police Refuse To Release Abducted Kenyans held incommunicado After Court Order
