By Kennedy Nalyanya
Nairobi, Kenya – The mysterious disappearance and reappearance of Ndiang’ui Kinyagia, a prominent IT expert and Gen Z protest mobilizer, has taken a sensational turn, deeply complicating initial claims of state-sponsored abduction. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), along with Senior Counsel Martha Karua, has formally moved to withdraw from Kinyagia’s case, citing conflicting statements and a profound breakdown of trust.
Kinyagia was reported missing on June 21, 2025, after vanishing from his Kinoo home under suspicious circumstances. His family and legal representatives, including the LSK, swiftly accused state agents of orchestrating an enforced disappearance. These accusations were fueled by reports that Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers had raided his home and seized devices without a court warrant. A habeas corpus application was promptly filed, leading the High Court to order the police and DCI to produce him.
The narrative began to unravel when Kinyagia unexpectedly resurfaced at the Milimani Law Courts on July 3. He claimed he had gone into hiding due to threats to his life, directly contradicting the abduction claims. Further complicating matters, an affidavit from his cousin, Lilian Wanjiku Gitonga, revealed Kinyagia had contacted her during his disappearance, directly challenging the earlier narrative.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo expressed grave concerns about the credibility of the case, citing "contradictory facts" that have made continued representation professionally untenable. The LSK sought permission to cross-examine Kinyagia, Gitonga, and his mother, Margaret Rukwaro, in a bid to uncover the truth. Adding to the confusion, lawyer Kibe Mungai, previously involved in the case, disowned the final version of Gitonga’s affidavit, stating it significantly differed from the draft prepared based on Kinyagia’s instructions.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo confirmed the society's commitment to the truth, stating on her X handle, "I led the team of Advocates from Law Society of Kenya for the hearing of the Petition in the matter of Ndiangui Kinyagia. While the hearing did not proceed, we made an application to cross-examine key witnesses in our continued pursuit of truth and accountability."
In court today, July 24, 2025, Kinyagia appeared once more, requesting an adjournment and an extension of protective orders, again citing fear for his safety. Justice Chacha Mwita granted him 14 days to file an affidavit explaining the precise circumstances of his disappearance and reappearance. The judge emphasized that the matter could not be quietly closed, asserting, “The public has a right to know the truth.”
The case, now set for mention on September 16, 2025, has ignited public debate about the potential misuse of legal systems in politically sensitive environments. It also raises crucial questions about the delicate boundaries between activism, truth, and legal accountability.
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