Blogger Ndiang'ui Kinyagia pleads for High Court protection from arrest, cites fear for life
He said he was still traumatised from his recent disappearance and urged the court to extend earlier protection orders, insisting he needed more time to prepare his legal response with his lawyers.
Blogger Ndiang’ui Kinyagia has expressed fear for his life, pleading with the High Court to protect him from arrest.
Speaking on Thursday during a court session at the Milimani Law Courts, Kinyagia told Justice Chacha Mwita that he believes his safety is at risk if police take him into custody.
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He said he was still traumatised from his recent disappearance and urged the court to extend earlier protection orders, insisting he needed more time to prepare his legal response with his lawyers.
“Your Honour, I would like to request the court for two things. Number one, to seek an adjournment of this case. Number two, to request that Your Honour protect me from arrest by the police,” he said.
When asked to clarify, Kinyagia explained that he needed time to review an affidavit with his legal team, advocates Kibe Mungai and Wahome Thuku and also reiterated his fear of being detained.
“Please extend the orders so that I may not be arrested by the police,” he pleaded.
“Your Honour, I seek your protection because I fear for my life and for my arrest.”
The plea follows his reappearance weeks after he allegedly went missing amid accusations that he played a role in coordinating the June 25 anti-government protests, particularly through a widely circulated protest timetable.
His whereabouts during that period had been unclear, sparking public concern that he may have been abducted by security agencies, a claim denied by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Kinyagia resurfaced on July 3 alongside his lawyers, stating he had gone into hiding due to safety concerns. On the same day, the court issued interim orders barring police from arresting or detaining him, ruling that any engagement with investigators must occur in the presence of his legal team.
On Thursday, however, Justice Mwita reminded the blogger that the conservatory orders granted earlier were only meant to preserve the integrity of the petition and not to shield him from lawful investigation or arrest.
“You are reminded that the orders in place do not shield you from lawful arrest should there be valid grounds. The rule of law still applies,” the judge said.
The court also directed Kinyagia to file a sworn affidavit within 14 days detailing the events surrounding his disappearance. Justice Mwita emphasised that both the court and the public have a right to know what transpired during his absence.
Meanwhile, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), which had previously represented Kinyagia in the case, formally withdrew its representation, leaving him unrepresented. The court gave him 14 days to appoint a new advocate of his choice.
The respondents and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) opposed any further delay in the matter, urging the court to proceed without adjournment.
The case is scheduled for mention on September 16, 2025, to confirm compliance with the court’s directions and determine the next steps.
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