Kenyan court orders police to produce missing Tanzanian activist
Justice Alexander Muasya Muteti ordered police to present Twaha Mwaipaya in court on November 2, 2026, or explain his detention.
Kenya’s High Court ordered police on October 30, 2026, to produce Tanzanian activist Twaha Mwaipaya before the Milimani High Court on November 2, 2026. The court also demanded any detention warrant and an explanation for his custody. Justice Alexander Muasya Muteti issued the directive following an urgent application by the human-rights organisation Vocal Africa, which is suing on Mwaipaya's behalf. Mwaipaya was reportedly taken in the Kamulu area on October 25.
The court order directs the Inspector General of Police, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and the Officer Commanding Ruai Police Station to present Mwaipaya "live or dead." They must show cause why he should not be released. Justice Muteti summoned Inspector General Douglas Kanja Kirocho and DCI Director Amin Mohamed Ibrahim to explain the alleged arrest and detention. Responses from the respondents are due by 9 a.m. on November 2, before the 11 a.m. mention.
This habeas corpus direction does not determine whether police took or are holding Mwaipaya, or if the reported abduction occurred. Vocal Africa's application also sought preservation of CCTV, ANPR, toll, mobile-phone, border, and vehicle-tracking records, alongside an independent investigation. However, Friday’s court order focuses solely on Mwaipaya's production and the upcoming hearing.
Why it mattersTanzanian activist Twaha Mwaipaya is missing after a reported abduction in Kenya, and Kenyan authorities have been ordered by the High Court to account for his whereabouts.