Activist Bob Njagi recalls abduction, threats and survival in detention

Bob Njagi, one of the Kitengela 3 abductees, has broken his silence about the agony he endured during his alleged month-long detention.

The Free Kenya Movement coordinator, allegedly abducted by heavily armed and hooded policemen on August 19, 2024, shared his harrowing ordeal in a meeting with the Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNHCR) yesterday.

According to Kamanda Mucheke, the head of complaints and investigations at KNHCR, Njagi claimed that he was pulled from a bus in Mlolongo while on his way home.

Despite protesting, his captors claimed he was an "armed and dangerous wanted gangster," an accusation that reportedly dissuaded fellow passengers from questioning his disappearance.

"He was whisked away in a getaway police saloon car and severely brutalised," Mucheke recalled Njagi's encounter, as narrated by the activist.

Njagi's abduction came amid the disappearance of two others, Jamil Longton (42) and his brother Aslam Longton (36), both of whom were also found last Friday in Gachie.

All three men were allegedly taken by people believed to be police officers, sparking outrage and protests from various human rights groups and legal bodies, including the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).

While in custody, Njagi was reportedly held at a secret detention centre under dire conditions.

"He was handcuffed for almost the entire period of his detention, only being allowed to remove them for brief moments when permitted to go to the bathroom," Mucheke recounted.

DCI Director Mohamed Amin addresses the press at Jogoo House, Nairobi on July 14, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki/EV

His captors, allegedly armed and wearing balaclavas, restricted his meals to small food rations once a day. Throughout his interrogation, Njagi's abductors reportedly communicated with their superiors via phone, responding with 'yes sir' as they appeared to receive instructions.

Njagi's ordeal ended when he was reportedly released on the night of September 20 and dumped near a tea plantation close to Limuru Country Club.

According to Mucheke, the commander of his abductors gave him Sh300 as bus fare home, with a warning not to disclose his experience.

"They threatened him, saying they would track him down and finish him if he spoke out. But Bob has refused to be silenced," Mucheke added.

The case of the Kitengela 3 has drawn widespread attention, with many suspecting the involvement of security forces. Njagi, along with the Longton brothers, was abducted on August 19, in what many have called a coordinated operation.

While the brothers were taken a few meters from their home, Njagi was reportedly dragged out of a bus.

LSK President Faith Odhiambo confirmed that Njagi presented himself at Tigoni police station after his release. Speaking on the ongoing investigation, Odhiambo said, "We are relieved that Bob is alive, but we demand answers on why these men were abducted in the first place."

Authorities have yet to provide any clarity. Inspector General Douglas Kanja, when asked about the matter, stated, "We do not have the Kitengela three with us. A report was made, and there is an active investigation."

Similarly, DCI boss Mohamed Amin said the Directorate of Criminal Investigations had no information on the whereabouts of the three men during their disappearance.

Njagi, according to Mucheke, remains committed to his advocacy for social justice, despite the trauma and injuries he sustained.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja takes the oath of office at State House, Nairobi, on September 19, 2024. (Photo: National Police Service)