Kenya: IG Kanja Denies Police Custody of Missing Tanzanian Activist Twaha Mwaipaya

What the report says

Kenya’s Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja told the Milimani High Court in Nairobi that the National Police Service did not arrest or detain missing Tanzanian activist Twaha Mwaipaya, according to a report distributed by AllAfrica from Capital FM. Kanja said Mwaipaya had never been in police custody anywhere in Kenya and denied any knowledge of an arrest by police officers. The hearing took place on Tuesday before Justice Alexander Muteti, amid broader scrutiny of how authorities are handling allegations of abductions.

The case centers on claims that Mwaipaya was abducted on October 25 in Kamulu, Machakos County, while reportedly traveling in a taxi to visit friends. Human rights groups including Vocal Africa had asked the court to compel police to produce him, dead or alive. Kanja confirmed that a missing-person report had been filed at Ruai Police Station and said investigations were ongoing.

During questioning, lawyers pressed the police chief on whether any suspects in abduction cases had been arrested and prosecuted. He said such investigations are complex and still underway, but did not identify specific arrests or outcomes. Amnesty International Kenya and the Defenders Coalition have also called for urgent action to establish Mwaipaya’s whereabouts and ensure his safety. The court is expected to give further directions as the search continues.