The reported disappearance of more than 80 government critics over the last six months has caused a huge public backlash in Kenya.
A judge has warned he will imprison top security officials for contempt of court on Monday if they fail to appear for a third time to account for a recent string of alleged abductions.
The case is linked to the disappearances documented by Kenya’s National Commission on Human Rights since nationwide protests against proposed tax hikes began last June.
At least 24 are said to still be missing.
The police and government deny kidnapping and illegally detaining protesters, but the country has a history of state-sponsored abductions, and some Kenyans fear they are returning to that dark past.
The Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Directorate of Criminal Investigations Director Mohamed Amin were ordered to produce in court seven social media influencers who disappeared in December.
Five suddenly reappeared in early January at various locations across the country.
Mr Kanja’s lawyers asked the court for more time to record statements from them and file a report.
Billy Mwangi is one of the five. The 24-year-old was dropped off by his alleged abductors 75km (46 miles) from his hometown in Embu, in central Kenya, in an apparent act of intimidation.
Billy’s father, Gerald Mwangi Karicha, said his son was traumatised.
“The boy has not shared a lot,” he said. “All I can say is that when he came, he was not his usual self. He looked to be in shock.”
Billy, a college student who had been a vocal critic of the government on social media, disappeared on 21 December 2024 while at a barbers’ shop in Embu.
As soon as he was found, Billy was taken to hospital for a routine check-up. His family says he is still recovering from the trauma, but his release has brought them some measure of relief.
Like many who have reappeared after alleged abductions, Billy has said little about his ordeal, perhaps out of fear.
In fact, President Ruto has publicly promised to stop the abductions, forced to respond to public outrage, and to concern from Western allies.
Many are distressed that the apparently systematic disappearance of anti-government activists has resurfaced in this way, recalling similar methods under the authoritarian leadership of Daniel arap Moi in the 1980s and 1990s.