DCI Amin questioned over mysterious disappearances and abductions

In particular, the Senate's Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee referenced a petition filed by Christine Njoki, a middle aged woman from Meru who is in agony over the disappearance of her husband, Joshua Gichuki Mwangi, who went missing since February 3, 2020. 

In the petition, Njoki recalled the fateful night when her husband received a distress call from a neighbour who urged him to take the wife to hospital. Mwangi heeded to the request and rushed to meet the neighbour. Since then, her husband disappeared without a trace. 

Nominated Senator Catherine Mumma criticised the law enforcement authorities for delaying the investigations of the case, questioning why the matter had taken over four years without the family knowing the whereabouts of their kin. 

"It's deeply concerning that this investigation has dragged on since 2020. Did it require Senate intervention to prompt action?" she demanded. 

"What about other Kenyans who may not know how to access parliamentary channels? We're seeing regular student abductions. Is our justice system functioning at all?"

In response, DCI Amin defended his agency's handling of the matter and noted that the detectives had conducted a thorough probe despite facing numerous challenges. 

"The prime suspect was initially out on bond in an unrelated case and participated in court proceedings virtually, which complicated our efforts. However, we successfully apprehended the suspect, who is now facing charges of abduction with intent to murder," Amin said. 

"Our investigation followed all proper protocols. The complexity of this case required meticulous gathering of evidence to ensure a successful prosecution," Amin added. 

Mweru, who was before the Committee, took issue with DCI Amin's response and insisted that all accomplices ought to be taken into custody. 

"We need all perpetrators held accountable, not just one suspect," she said. 

The Senate Committee, which will prepare a report to present to the House, was also informed that the case would proceed before the Milimani Law Courts on November 25, 2024. 

The incident highlights cases of abductions with the culprits also targeting children in the recent past. 

On September 28, 2024, a grade Five student from Komarock South Primary School vanished after attending his regular Saturday remedial classes. 

Another incident saw the family of 19-year-old Kenyatta University student plead with the government to assist them in locating Jonathan Simiyu who went missing on September 28, 2024. 

Kenyans have since called on the government to expedite their investigations in order to give justice to the affected families.