NAIROBI, Kenya – Activist Bob Micheni Njagi and brothers Jamil and Aslam Longton, dubbed the ‘Kitengela Three’ after their disappearance in Kajiado County last month, have resurfaced alive.
The three were freed in the early hours of Friday, September 20, shortly after Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja was sworn into office.
The Longton brothers revealed they were released by their captors and would provide further details through Faith Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
A video posted on social media platform X by Ms Odhiambo showed the brothers in Gachie, where they allegedly charged their phones before contacting her for assistance.
“At around 1 a.m., Bob Njagi made his way to Tigoni Police Station, where he sought help. He is alive and well,” Ms Odhiambo confirmed in her post.
In a message to his family, Njagi expressed gratitude: “To family, friends, and every Kenyan who prayed for me, I am well and with my family. It is time to reflect on why Kenya matters.”
The trio had been missing since August 19, when they were abducted in Kitengela by individuals believed to be police officers.
Their release came just as Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli was under pressure to appear in court and apologize for failing to produce the men as ordered.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi had found Masengeli guilty of contempt and sentenced him to six months in prison, though the sentence was suspended for seven days to allow him to rectify the situation.
On Friday, Masengeli’s efforts to appear before Justice Mugambi were delayed as the judge was handling another case.
High Court Judge Chacha Mwita directed his lawyer, Cecil Miller, to present the case before Justice Mugambi.
The abduction of Njagi and the Longton brothers occurred amidst their active social media advocacy, where they voiced opposition to the Finance Bill and called on youth to participate in protests.
The LSK had filed a habeas corpus petition demanding their release or appearance in court, but the police consistently denied holding the three men.
The three were freed in the early hours of Friday, September 20, shortly after Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja was sworn into office.
The Longton brothers revealed they were released by their captors and would provide further details through Faith Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
A video posted on social media platform X by Ms Odhiambo showed the brothers in Gachie, where they allegedly charged their phones before contacting her for assistance.
“At around 1 a.m., Bob Njagi made his way to Tigoni Police Station, where he sought help. He is alive and well,” Ms Odhiambo confirmed in her post.
In a message to his family, Njagi expressed gratitude: “To family, friends, and every Kenyan who prayed for me, I am well and with my family. It is time to reflect on why Kenya matters.”
The trio had been missing since August 19, when they were abducted in Kitengela by individuals believed to be police officers.
Their release came just as Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli was under pressure to appear in court and apologize for failing to produce the men as ordered.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi had found Masengeli guilty of contempt and sentenced him to six months in prison, though the sentence was suspended for seven days to allow him to rectify the situation.
On Friday, Masengeli’s efforts to appear before Justice Mugambi were delayed as the judge was handling another case.
High Court Judge Chacha Mwita directed his lawyer, Cecil Miller, to present the case before Justice Mugambi.
The abduction of Njagi and the Longton brothers occurred amidst their active social media advocacy, where they voiced opposition to the Finance Bill and called on youth to participate in protests.
The LSK had filed a habeas corpus petition demanding their release or appearance in court, but the police consistently denied holding the three men.
