MLOLONGO, Kenya — Missing activist Boniface Mulinge Muteti has been found alive in the Mlolongo area, days after he reportedly disappeared following protests in Nairobi over the detention of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye.
Muteti’s brother confirmed that the activist had been taken to hospital in Mlolongo for treatment.
Human rights activist and Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid said Muteti was found in the Lukenya area early Friday morning before walking to a Shell petrol station, where he sought help to contact his family.
Muteti Found in Lukenya
Khalid said Muteti was found at about 3am after allegedly being dumped in the Lukenya area.
“Comrade Muteti Mulinge has been found. He was dumped last night around 3:00 am in the Lukenya area,” Khalid said.
He said Muteti then walked a long distance to a Shell petrol station, where a Good Samaritan helped him make a phone call to his brother.
Khalid said the activist was disoriented, weak and injured and was receiving medical treatment in Mlolongo.
Activist Reportedly Missing Since Monday
Muteti’s whereabouts had remained unknown since Monday, September 21, when he reportedly went missing after leaving fellow activists in Nairobi’s Central Business District.
According to his family, Muteti had left the group to print a petition they intended to present to police and other government offices.
He reportedly communicated with colleagues shortly afterwards, but his phone later became unreachable.
His family and human rights defenders subsequently reported the disappearance to police and called for urgent efforts to establish his whereabouts.
Court Asked to Account for Muteti
The disappearance also prompted legal action.
The petition sought disclosure of his whereabouts and records relating to his alleged arrest, custody, transfer, release or processing.
The court case followed claims by activists that Muteti had been arrested during the protests.
However, police have not publicly confirmed that Muteti was in their custody.
Disappearance Linked to Besigye Protests
Muteti’s disappearance occurred amid demonstrations by activists calling for the release of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who remains detained in Uganda.
The demonstrations had drawn attention from Kenyan human rights groups and activists, who demanded accountability over Besigye’s continued detention.
Muteti was among activists involved in activities surrounding the protests, according to accounts from his colleagues and family.
