For close to two weeks, the whereabouts of blogger and activist Ndiangui remained unknown, at least to the Kenyan public who demanded his release in what was believed to be an abduction case.
Kinyagia went missing on June 21, 2025, hours before sleuths from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) raided his abode in Kinoo, Kiambu County, after he became a person of interest regarding his social media posts.
For 13 days or so, it was believed that the blogger had been abducted by government operatives, with a case being filed in court demanding his release. Most Kenyans, young and old, rallied behind the clarion call to free the blogger.
The activism intensified until July 1, 2025, when Justice Chacha Mwita of the High Court seemed to join the clarion call for Kinyagia’s release, terming DCI’s explanation that they did not have the blogger in their custody as “drama”.
In his exact words, Mwita said, “I want Ndiang’ui Kinyagia in court, whether dead or alive. I’m also speaking to these people (ID Douglas Kanja and DCI Mohamed Amin), there is no way a Kenyan would get out of his boat and vanish from this world without a trace; it is not humanly possible. Let’s stop playing drama and stick to what our Constitution speaks to.”
He added, “All we want is this Kenyan; where is he? Nothing more. We are not interested in drama or anything; we have a human being missing.”
The judge’s sentiments have drawn criticism from a section of leaders, with Kileleshwa MCA terming it as uncontrolled judicial activism.
“Justice Chacha Mwita and the CJ@CJMarthaKoome must urgently offer an apology to the police and explain why they have weaponised the courts and made it hostile to the government in place. The tyranny being meted out to police officers, prosecutors, state counsels and other officials of the government in court must be explained well. The tyranny has to end because the judges like Chacha Mwita have turned the bench into a platform of uncontrolled activism,” Alai stated.
On July 3, 2025, moments before Kinyagia appeared in court, his lawyer Wahome Thuku revealed that the blogger, for 13 days, had not been in police custody. Kinyagia had not even been abducted, as widely reported on social media and in sections of the media. In Thuku’s words, Kinyagia had been hiding from the police.
In his exact words, Thuku said, “On behalf of the family of Mr Ndiangui Kinyagia, I wish to inform the Kenyan public as follows: That Mr Ndiangui who went missing last week has contacted the family and that he is well, healthy and safe. Mr Ndiangui contacted a family member on Tuesday evening from undisclosed location. Mr Ndiangui indicated to the family member that he had hidden temporarily for fear of his life upon learning that DCI officers were looking for him over unknown criminal allegations.”
Thuku added, “On behalf of the family of Mr Ndiangui Kinyagia, I wish to inform the Kenyan public as follows: That Mr Ndiangui who went missing last week has contacted the family and that he is well, healthy and safe. Mr Ndiangui contacted a family member on Tuesday evening from undisclosed location. Mr Ndiangui indicated to the family member that he had hidden temporarily for fear of his life upon learning that DCI officers were looking for him over unknown criminal allegations.”
For 13 days, Kinyagia hid from the police, with no communication to his family. In most cases, when a Kenyan who feels innocent and is wanted by the police, they surrender and make it public. It would have been crucial to communicate to his family that he was in hiding and save Kenyans the energy of demanding his release. It would have also saved the judicial system from issuing orders that have been viewed as judicial activism.
With the new facts on the table, it might be difficult for anyone to believe him in future, even in the case floated by the police, in which he has been summoned to record a statement.
In a statement on July 3, 2025, the National Police Service (NPS) accused Kinyagia of adding to the emerging trend whereby individuals feign abduction and provide false information to the police, intending to generate a misleading narrative that exploits public outrage and sensational headlines, thereby distorting the truth rather than focusing on justice.
“The National Police Service (NPS) has noted the resurfacing of one Ndiangui Kinyagia from his hideout and subsequent appearance in court today, 3rd July 2025.
Ndiangui Kinyagia had been reported missing, and information circulating on social as well as mainstream media accused the Police Service of allegedly abducting him. Nonetheless, he remains a person of interest to the police and is hereby urged to present himself to the DCI Headquarters to record a statement,” NPS stated.
“The Service reiterates its earlier response that Ndiangui Kinyagia was not in police custody. We take great exception to the emerging trend whereby individuals feign abduction and provide false information to the police, intending to generate a misleading narrative that exploits public outrage and sensational headlines, thereby distorting the truth rather than focusing on justice.”
NPS says such criminal acts undermine the integrity of the law enforcement efforts, damage the reputation of the National Police Service, and cause anxiety to the public.
“The National Police Service wishes to remind the public that stage-managed abductions and providing false information to the police are criminal offences punishable by law. We therefore warn all persons against engaging in such acts. NPS reaffirms its commitment to upholding the highest standards of fidelity to the Constitution, operational independence, impartiality, and political neutrality in fulfilling its role of maintaining law and order,” the statement added.
Even as Kinyagia’s case continues, it is crucial to ask questions, so that similar mistakes are not repeated in future.
Did he hide the truth from the public, knowingly or unknowingly?
Did he make a judge engage in judicial activism?
Did he make Kenyans engage in unnecessary activism, both in court, in public and on social media, demanding his release?
Francis Muli
Francis Muli is a passionate digital journalist with over seven years of experience in crafting compelling stories across various platforms. His major focus is in business, politics and current affairs. He brings a keen eye for detail and a commitment to uncovering the truth.
He has contributed to leading publications across the country.
When not chasing stories, you can find Muli exploring new technologies, attending local events, or reading fiction.
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