Three abducted in Kitengela 30 days ago now found alive

Three individuals abducted in Kitengela and Mlolongo a month ago, have been found alive. They include two brothers, Jamil Longton (42) and Aslam Longton (36).

Faith Odhiambo, the president of the Law Society of Kenya, confirmed their release, expressing relief and gratitude.

The brothers were located in Gachie, Kihara Ward in Kiambu County on Thursday night.

"I am informed that Jamil Longton and his brother Aslam were dumped at the Gachie border of Kiambu and Nairobi by their captors. Every prayer and intervention made a difference. We thank God that they are safe," Odhiambo stated.

The Longton brothers were abducted alongside Bob Njagi, the coordinator of the Free Kenya Movement, who has also been found in Tigoni, Kiambu County.

According to the LSK president, Njagi presented himself at the Tigoni Police Station early in the morning after reportedly being abandoned by his abductors

"Around 1 am, Bob Njagi managed to find his way to Tigoni Police Station for assistance. He is alive and well," Odhiambo said.

Njagi sent a message to the LSK boss confirming his safety.

Activist Bob Njagi. (Photo: Handout)

"To family, friends, and every Kenyan who has continued to pray for me, I wish to confirm that I am well and with my family. It is now time to quiet the noise, be grateful for life, and for everyone to reflect on why Kenya matters," he said in the message shared by the LSK president.

Their release came shortly after police officials, including Inspector General Douglas Kanja and Director of Criminal Investigations Amin Mohamed, denied having any information regarding the trio's custody or location during a press briefing at Jogoo House, Nairobi.

"You are aware that I have just taken over the office, but what I want to mention is that what I have gotten from our officers is that we don't have the Kitengela three with us, but what I know is that a report was made and we have got an active investigation," Kanja said.

The brothers were abducted on Monday, August 19, 2024, just a few metres from their home, while Njagi was reportedly taken from a bus in Mlolongo and forced into a Subaru car by unknown assailants.

The disappearance of the three has put immense pressure on the National Police Service, leading to significant consequences for immediate former acting Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli.

Last Friday, Justice Lawrence Mugambi sentenced Masengeli to six months in jail for contempt of court after he repeatedly failed to appear to explain the trio's whereabouts.

Masengeli is currently seeking to overturn the sentence.

President William Ruto has on numerous occasions denied that there are people who were abducted by state agencies, especially at the height of the Gen Z-led anti-government protests.

He challenged anyone with a missing loved one either during the protest period or any time after he took office to present the name for investigations to be carried out.

"If there's any family that their child or their friend or relative went to a demonstration, whether last year or this year and never came back, I want to know the names because I will take firm and decisive action," Ruto said.

With IG Kanja now in office, the responsibility of explaining to the courts the circumstances of the abduction and the location of the three men has shifted to him.