LSK demands police present Kiarie, Duba Molu in court amid abduction claims
By Faith Lagat, July 1, 2026The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has backed a High Court directive requiring police to produce Maxwell Kiarie and Abdulaziz Duba Molu in court, as concern grows over their whereabouts.
In a statement shared on X on July 1, 2026, LSK President Charles Kanjama said the society fully supports the judicial order directing police to immediately present the two men before court.
“The state must strictly respect due process by presenting these individuals before a court of law rather than resorting to arbitrary detentions,” Kanjama wrote.
“We demand absolute transparency from law enforcement agencies regarding their whereabouts to restore public calm and preserve human dignity.”
Kanjama described enforced disappearances as “a gross violation of constitutional rights” and said they have no place in a democratic society.
The two men, who are from Nairobi’s Huruma and Mathare areas, reportedly disappeared last week. Their disappearance sparked protests by relatives and activists demanding that they either be released or presented before court. Some demonstrations turned violent, with reports of injuries and at least one fatality.
Rights groups and officials differ
Lawyer Willis Otieno also called for accountability, urging Kenyans to speak out against enforced disappearances.
“If we normalise these abductions through silence, they will only escalate. Every Kenyan, regardless of political affiliation, has a duty to condemn them in the strongest possible terms,” Otieno said.
He added that allowing such incidents to continue threatens constitutional democracy and called for collective action to uphold the rule of law.
Government officials, however, have disputed some of the reported cases. Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said on June 30 that some alleged abductions were self-orchestrated, claiming that some individuals later resurfaced after hiding. He maintained that enforced disappearances would not be tolerated under the current administration.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei also cautioned against what he termed an emerging trend of “self-abductions” ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying political competition should not involve unlawful acts.
Focus remains on missing persons
Former Police Spokesperson Charles Owino said reported abduction cases are limited and maintained that police officers operate within the law, adding that disciplinary mechanisms exist for officers found to have acted unlawfully.
The debate comes days after activist Davis Lichuma was found alive after going missing following the June 25 protests. He was later admitted to hospital after reportedly showing signs of torture, prompting condemnation from former Chief Justice David Maraga and Siaya Governor James Orengo.
The case of Kiarie and Duba Molu has continued to attract attention from lawyers, rights organisations and political leaders, with calls for security agencies to comply with the court order and account for the two men.