NAIROBI, Kenya — Political blogger Ndiang’ui Kinyangia, who had been reported missing for several days, appeared in court on Thursday morning, bringing an end to the frantic search conducted by his family, legal team, and concerned Kenyans.
His mother, Lilian Wanjiku, was present as the court convened to determine the next steps following his unexpected reappearance. Kinyangia was described by his lawyers as appearing “sick and traumatized,” indicating he was not in a suitable condition to participate meaningfully in the proceedings.
Lawyer Kibe Mungai, representing the family, informed the court that he had learned of Kinyangia’s whereabouts from fellow advocate Wahome Thuku on Tuesday evening.
According to Mungai, a phone conversation had taken place between Kinyangia and his mother, Lilian Wanjiku, on Tuesday night, the evening before his court appearance.
“Your Honour, we have him. We were looking for him, and he is finally here. But he’s not in good condition,” Kibe stated, emphasizing that neither the family nor the legal counsel had yet had the opportunity to debrief him on the events that transpired during his disappearance.
Citing his client’s fragile state of mind and health, Kibe urged the court to allow the family private time with Kinyangia and requested that the matter be deferred.
“I regret that I can’t be of any assistance until we have had a session with him to know what happened to him,” he told the court.
The lawyers also voiced concerns about the potential risk of Kinyangia being detained and sought a court order restraining any arrest, a request that was upheld by the court. Kibe further proposed that Kinyangia be released on bond and required to attend court whenever necessary.
The court was informed, “Family has made a request…… and that is reasonable… Then we can reconvene once he has been briefed and is ready to participate.”
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Justice Chacha Mwita acknowledged the petitioner’s concerns, agreeing that the family’s request was reasonable. He noted that Kinyangia’s presence in court had fulfilled the primary objective of locating him.
Justice Mwita stated, “My intentions was to have him and present him to Kenyans. He is here we have him. Also it’s good to allow the family and the lawyers time to speak to him.”
Representing the Attorney General, lawyer Emmanuel Bitta contended that they had not been treated fairly and required an opportunity to be heard.
Ultimately, the family has been granted time to take Kinyangia to the hospital. The matter is now adjourned, awaiting its next hearing on July 18.
