Blogger and activist Ndiang’ui Kinyagia—who vanished following a reported raid on his Kinoo residence on 21 June—has been confirmed safe and alive, according to his family’s lawyer, Wahome Thuku.
The 35-year-old IT expert and vocal digital commentator contacted a family member on the evening of Tuesday, 1 July, ending days of speculation and fear surrounding his whereabouts.
In a statement issued on Thursday, 3 July, via Facebook, Thuku revealed that Ndiang’ui had gone into hiding, fearing for his life after learning that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) was pursuing him over unspecified allegations.
“On behalf of the family, I wish to inform Kenyans and the public that Ndiang’ui, who went missing, has contacted family and is well, healthy, and safe,” Thuku said. He added that Kinyagia is willing to cooperate with authorities and appear in court, provided his safety is guaranteed.
He further emphasized that no formal charges have been filed against Kinyagia, urging authorities to focus on ensuring his safety rather than fueling speculation. “If there is anything he did or didn’t do, it is for him to say in court,” Thuku stated.
Under legal advice, Ndiang’ui is set to present himself before the High Court at Milimani on Thursday at 11 a.m. to ensure a fair and transparent process.
“We have therefore advised him to present himself before the High Court at Milimani Law Courts today, Thursday, the 3rd of July 2025, at 11 a.m.,” the lawyer noted.
Ndiang’ui’s disappearance sparked widespread concern, with the hashtag #FreeNdianguiKinyagia trending on X as Kenyans demanded answers from authorities. The activist had been instrumental in publicizing the first anniversary of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests, sharing schedules for the 25 June Gen Z demonstrations.
His family and supporters believe a viral post on 19 June—detailing plans for a march to State House—may have made him a target.
Coincidentally, the High Court, presided over by Justice Chacha Mwita, had ordered Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and DCI Director Mohamed Amin—who failed to appear in court on Tuesday, 1 July—to present themselves and explain the whereabouts of Ndiang’ui, who went missing on Saturday, 21 June.
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When the DCI claimed Ndiang’ui was not in their custody, Justice Mwita ordered Amin to appear in person to clarify the agency’s role in the case. Reports indicate that up to ten unmarked Subaru vehicles—believed to be linked to the DCI—raided Ndiang’ui’s home, seizing laptops, phones, passports, and other items without presenting a search warrant.
The DCI, through Director Amin, maintained that Ndiang’ui was a person of interest due to inflammatory content posted on X but denied holding him. Amin urged Kinyagia to surrender at a police station—a claim met with skepticism by activists and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), who labeled the case a possible enforced disappearance.
Ndiang’ui’s reappearance has brought relief to his family and supporters. His mother, Margaret Wamaitha, had previously shared her anguish, recounting their last conversation on 21 June before his phone went silent.
The LSK, Amnesty Kenya, and activists like Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah had rallied for his release, condemning what they described as a pattern of abductions targeting vocal critics.
-By Jeremiah Richu
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