Mixed reactions as missing blogger Ndiang’ui Kinyagia resurfaces
Legal and Political ImplicationsIn court, journalist questions about whether the disappearance was staged were met with a firm denial from lawyer Wahome Thuku.
Blogger Ndiang’ui Kinyagia reappears after two weeks, with lawyer claiming he had been in hiding — not abducted as initially feared. Photo/Citizen Digital.
By Robert Assad
Kenyans have been left deeply divided after the surprise reappearance of missing tech blogger Ndiang’ui Kinyagia, who vanished on June 20.
In a stunning twist, his family’s lawyer Wahome Thuku revealed Thursday that Kinyagia had been in hiding all along — not in the custody of security agents as many had feared.
In a statement released via social media, Thuku stated that the blogger had contacted a family member on Tuesday evening, confirming he was alive and well.
According to the lawyer, Kinyagia went into hiding out of fear for his life after learning that officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) were allegedly searching for him over unspecified criminal allegations.
“Mr Ndiang’ui contacted a family member from an undisclosed location. He is safe and healthy. He had hidden temporarily out of fear,” said Thuku.
“He is ready to present himself before the DCI and in court, provided his safety is guaranteed.”
Shaken and Disoriented in CourtOn Thursday morning, Kinyagia appeared at the Milimani Law Courts wearing a hooded maroon sweatshirt, face mask, and glasses.
His emotional family broke down as they embraced him. Observers noted he looked shaken, disoriented, and confused — at one point staring blankly as his mother cradled him.
His lawyer, Kibe Mungai, asked the court to grant them time before further proceedings, citing Kinyagia’s apparent trauma and unstable mental state.
“He looks and sounds very traumatised. We request time to speak with him in confidence,” said Mungai.Public Outrage and Divided OpinionBut not everyone is convinced by the official narrative.
Renowned activist Boniface Mwangi led a chorus of condemnation, accusing Kinyagia and his family of manipulating public emotions.
“What Ndiang’ui Kinyagia has done is wrong, and criminal. An entire country was praying for his safety, thinking he was abducted — but all this time he was in hiding? Shame!” Mwangi posted.
His sentiments were echoed by numerous social media users and commentators, many expressing betrayal and demanding accountability. An X (formerly Twitter) user under the handle @StateAffairsKE wrote:“We stood in solidarity. We searched in hope. We cried in despair. But Ndiang’ui Kinyagia was never missing. He was safe, while the country mourned a lie. Emotional Extortion. #StopFakeAbductions”
Legal analysts also warned that the credibility of habeas corpus applications and public trust in civil liberties advocacy may be harmed by such incidents.
“This thing of Ndiang’ui Kinyagia will have heavy future repercussions,” said lawyer Phannie Kwega. “There was a lot of goodwill from court, civil society, and the public. This undermines it.”Doubts Over Official NarrativeOn the other side, many Kenyans remain skeptical of the “hiding” claim, suspecting coercion and State involvement.
Some believe Kinyagia may have been abducted, tortured, and forced into silence, now reading from a script dictated by shadowy forces.X user Bishop Lallo replied to Mwangi’s comments:“It’s plain as day… Ndiang’ui was abducted. Now he’s back, clearly shaken, claiming he was ‘hiding’? That’s not a return, that’s a script.”Others pointed to physical changes — including his shaved head and dazed demeanor — as further proof that the blogger was not in self-imposed exile but a victim of a more sinister situation.
“There’s no way a young lad is maintaining good hair for 3 years then randomly shaves it off with a bottle top while hiding. I don’t buy it,” another user said.
Security expert Chris Sambu weighed in:“He doesn’t look like someone from a safe haven. I know how far the State can go. I hope he tells the full story.”
Legal and Political ImplicationsIn court, journalist questions about whether the disappearance was staged were met with a firm denial from lawyer Wahome Thuku.
“Anyone alleging a staged abduction must explain whether the DCI breaking into his house was also staged. We’re ready to record a statement,” said Thuku.
The case has sparked fierce national debate, revealing growing distrust between the public and State institutions — and raising new concerns over the safety of vocal activists and online personalities in Kenya.
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