Police Order Blogger Ndiangui Kinyagia to DCI After Mysterious Reappearance

The National Police Service (NPS) has directed controversial blogger Ndiangui Kinyagia to report to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) following his unexpected reappearance after weeks of reported disappearance.

In a strongly worded press statement issued on Wednesday, July 3, 2025, the NPS acknowledged Kinyagia’s resurfacing from what they described as a “hideout,” as well as his appearance in court earlier in the day.

The police maintained that Kinyagia was never in their custody, contrary to widespread claims on social media and by mainstream outlets accusing the police of abducting him.

“The National Police Service has noted the resurfacing of one Ndiangui Kinyagia from his hideout and subsequent appearance in court today,” the statement reads in part.

Background: Missing Blogger Sparks Outrage

Kinyagia, a vocal blogger known for his sharp criticism of political figures and state institutions, had been reported missing several weeks ago.

His disappearance sparked public outrage, with netizens launching the #WhereIsKinyagia hashtag and accusing state agencies of orchestrating his abduction. Human rights organizations also joined in, calling for transparency and accountability from law enforcement.

These accusations were consistently denied by the NPS, who maintained that the blogger was not in their custody. Despite these assurances, public skepticism remained high — until Kinyagia suddenly appeared in court, raising more questions than answers about his time in hiding.

“The Service reiterates its earlier response that Ndiangui Kinyagia was not in police custody. We take great exception to the emerging trend whereby individuals feign abduction and provide false information to the police, intending to generate a misleading narrative that exploits public outrage and sensational headlines, thereby distorting the truth rather than focusing on justice,”.

NPS Condemns ‘Stage-Managed Abductions’

Following his reappearance, the NPS has now declared Kinyagia a “person of interest” and instructed him to report to the DCI headquarters to record a statement.

The statement by NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga condemned what the Service described as a growing trend of individuals “feigning abduction” and providing false information to the authorities. According to the Service, such tactics are used to “generate misleading narratives that exploit public outrage and sensational headlines.”

“These criminal acts undermine the integrity of our law enforcement efforts, damage the reputation of the National Police Service, and cause anxiety to the public,” the statement added.

The NPS further warned that staging abductions and providing false information to law enforcement are criminal offences punishable by law, and cautioned the public against participating in or encouraging such actions.

The Bigger Picture

This latest development adds to the growing tension between state agencies and digital content creators in Kenya, many of whom allege increasing suppression of freedom of expression. Activists and political analysts have warned that criminalizing dissent or criticism, under the guise of law enforcement, poses a threat to democratic values.

As public interest in the case remains high, all eyes will now be on whether Kinyagia honors the police summons and what revelations—if any—his statement to the DCI might uncover.

What’s Next?

The police have not provided specific details regarding the reasons why Kinyagia is a person of interest, nor have they indicated the nature of the case he appeared for in court. Meanwhile, legal experts and human rights groups are closely monitoring the situation amid calls for due process and transparency.