Three Kitengela men who were abducted over a month ago by individuals believed to be police officers were released in separate incidents early this morning.
Their release coincided with the day Deputy Inspector of Police, Mr. Masengeli, was set to begin a six-month prison sentence for contempt of court.
Bob Njagi, one of the abductees, was found at around 3 a.m. after being dumped by his captors in the Thogoto area. Earlier in the morning, the Longton brothers, Jamil and Aslam, were also freed after being abandoned in Gachie by their abductors.
The men’s release comes just hours after Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss, Amin Mohamed, strongly denied allegations that the National Police Service (NPS) had been holding the three men in custody. In a statement made on Thursday, Mohamed emphasized that the NPS does not engage in the abduction of Kenyan citizens.
Many Kenyans believe that the growing public pressure, coupled with a wave of online activism, may have contributed to the sudden release of the men. Social media users employed a variety of tactics, including reverse psychology, to keep attention on the case. The timing of their release has raised questions about the connection between their abduction and the court’s action against Deputy Inspector Masengeli.
The case has sparked national outrage, with many calling for a deeper investigation into the role of rogue elements within the security forces. As the nation awaits more details, the focus now shifts to ensuring the safety of the released men and holding those responsible for the abductions accountable.