Court denies IT expert Ndiang'ui Kinyagia’s plea for passport release amid cybersecurity probe
Prosecutors informed the court that Kinyagia's travel documents and other items seized during the investigation are crucial to an active inquiry.
A Nairobi court has rejected a request by IT specialist and social media analyst Ndiang'ui Kinyagia for the release of his passport, which is being held by investigators probing him over undisclosed matters.
Prosecutors informed the court that Kinyagia's travel documents and other items seized during the investigation are crucial to an active inquiry.
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They said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is reviewing the file with a view to pressing possible charges.
"The release of the passport at this stage would interfere with and possibly compromise the investigations," the prosecution submitted.
Kinyagia, through his lawyer, urged the court to compel the authorities to return the documents, arguing that he urgently needed his passport to travel to India to assist his ailing sister.
"He has not been told why his passport and yellow fever card are being held. This is an emergency concerning a medical issue, and time is of the essence," his lawyer told the court.
In its brief ruling, the court declined to grant the interim request for release, directing Kinyagia to file formal submissions before a determination is made. The matter will be mentioned on January 15, 2026, for ruling.
Kinyagia, a well-known IT expert, has in recent months drawn attention for his outspoken commentary on governance and technology issues on social media.
Investigators allegedly seized his electronic devices, documents, and travel papers several weeks ago as part of a wider probe linked to alleged misuse of confidential digital data.
Authorities have not disclosed the exact nature of the investigation, only confirming that it involves potential breaches of cybersecurity and data-handling laws.
Kinyagia has denied any wrongdoing and maintains that the seizure of his documents and passport was arbitrary and politically motivated.
His lawyers argue that the continued detention of his personal items violates his constitutional rights to property, movement, and fair administrative action.
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