Court summons IG Kanja to explain disappearance of Tanzanian activist Twaha Mwaipaya

The High Court has ordered Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Mohamed Amin to personally appear on November 3 to explain the disappearance of Tanzanian activist Twaha Mwaipaya. The petitioners, led by Vocal Africa and represented by lawyer Martha Karua, argue that the police have been aware of Mwaipaya's disappearance since Sunday and must provide a satisfactory response.

Karua emphasized that the police and security agencies have a duty to ensure the safety of all Kenyans and should have initiated investigations promptly. She highlighted a pattern of similar cases involving abductions and enforced disappearances in the region, urging the security agencies to act swiftly. The petitioners dismissed the appearance of junior police officers in court, insisting that only Kanja and Amin can answer the questions concerning the steps taken to trace Mwaipaya and determine if he was unlawfully removed from Kenya.

Karua also expressed concerns over the possibility of Mwaipaya being returned to Tanzania, where he might face further danger. The Attorney General argued that the State had complied with the court order, but the petitioners insisted that the investigation should not be delayed, and the police chiefs must appear before the court to account for their actions. Justice Muteti is scheduled to issue a decision on the matter.