in

High Court Orders Police to Free the Six Abductees ASAP

The High Court has ordered the National Police Service to release six reportedly abducted individuals.
High court of Kenya/ Photo courtesy.

Summary:

  • The High Court has ordered the National Police Service to release six reportedly abducted individuals.
  • Those to be freed include Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, Billy Mwangi, Gideon Kibet, Rony Kiplangat, and Steve Kavingo.
  • The court’s ruling came after a petition by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
  • The Inspector General of Police faces legal action for non-compliance with the order.
  • Top leaders of implicated constitutional bodies have been summoned to explain the abductions.

Court’s Ruling

The High Court has issued a directive compelling the National Police Service to release six individuals reportedly abducted. The ruling emphasized that the detentions were unlawful and violated constitutional rights.

The individuals named in the ruling—Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, Billy Mwangi, Gideon Kibet, Rony Kiplangat, and Steve Kavingo—must be released unconditionally.

LSK’s Petition

The decision followed an application by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), which argued that the individuals’ detention contravened constitutional protections of human rights.

The court also warned the Inspector General of Police of severe legal consequences, including contempt charges, for non-compliance with the order.

Accountability and Summons

In addition to ordering the release, the court summoned top leaders of constitutional bodies accused of involvement in the abductions. They are required to appear in court and explain the reasons behind the rights violations.

Broader Implications

The ruling comes amidst growing public outcry over abductions and rights violations. Many see this decision as a potential turning point in addressing unlawful detentions and ensuring accountability.

The case will proceed to a full hearing in the coming weeks as the public awaits further developments.

In early December, the US Treasury Department suffered a cybersecurity breach attributed to a China-based Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) actor.

US Treasury Department Hit by Major Cybersecurity Breach Linked to Chinese Hackers

Over 40,000 people nominated Kenyan President William Ruto for OCCRP’s "Person of the Year" award.

President William Ruto Nominated for Most Corrupt “Person of the Year” Award