Police IG Douglas Kanja says he will appear in court at the right time to answer summons
Kanja said he would appear in court at the appropriate time, emphasising that he is a law-abiding citizen with no intention of defying court orders.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has stated that he will present himself in court to answer summons regarding cases on abductions when he is ready.
This follows criticism for failing to honour three previous summons. The court had summoned him over pending cases, raising concerns about his absence.
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Addressing the media on Tuesday, Kanja said he would appear in court at the appropriate time, emphasising that he is a law-abiding citizen with no intention of defying court orders.
He indicated that investigations into cases of several missing persons are at an advanced stage, assuring that progress is being made in resolving them.
“At the time of going to court, I will appear personally and we will be there with you. I want to say this, investigations are at an advanced level, in all reported cases of missing persons. The DCI and his team, I have personally given instructions that these investigations be conducted properly and brought to a conclusion,” he said.
Kanja also assured the public that the investigations were being handled thoroughly and that anyone involved in the cases would be apprehended and taken to court per the law.
“Any criminal involved in these matters will be arrested and taken to court to be dealt with according to the law because our country has laws. That is where we are, and when we get to court, those we have arrested will be informed to you. We want to assure you that we are doing everything possible in these serious investigations,” he said.
Public pressure
His remarks come amidst growing public pressure for accountability in both the legal process and ongoing probes.
Kanja and Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin failed to honour a summons by High Court Judge Bahati Mwamuye to appear in court on January 8 regarding the abduction of six anti-government activists.
During the proceedings, Justice Mwamuye adjourned the case and granted Kanja’s lawyer, Paul Nyamondi, 20 minutes to confirm if the IG could attend court that day.
However, Nyamondi reported that Kanja was unreachable and that his office had indicated he was attending a security meeting outside Nairobi.
Justice Mwamuye criticised Kanja’s absence, stating that the issue of abductions should have taken precedence as it is a matter of great concern to many Kenyans.
Nyamondi requested 14 days to allow the DCI to record statements from five individuals who had been abducted and subsequently released, arguing that their accounts could provide crucial information to aid investigations.
However, Senior Counsel Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, and Senator Okiya Omtatah opposed the delay, urging the court to prioritise the matter, given the serious threat it poses to lives.
Justice Mwamuye warned that Kanja would be convicted and sentenced for contempt of court if he failed to appear on Monday, January 27.
Mohamed, if absent on the same day, would only be allowed to mitigate before sentencing.
The two are required to provide details regarding the abductions of six men, five of whom were recently released.
The whereabouts of the sixth individual, Steve Mbisi Kavingo, remains unknown.
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