A hush fell over the Milimani Law Courts on Thursday morning as missing blogger Ndiang’ui Kinyagia walked into the courtroom safe, alive, and flanked by his lawyers.
What followed was an emotional scene. His mother, who had not seen or heard from him since 21 June, broke down in tears as she embraced her son tightly. The reunion moved onlookers, court officials, and journalists alike.
Kinyagia was escorted by advocates Kibe Mungai and senior counsel Martha Karua. His appearance came two days after High Court Judge Chacha Mwita ordered that the blogger be produced “dead or alive.”
Earlier in the week, lawyer Wahome Thuku had assured the public that Kinyagia had made contact with his family. “He reached out and confirmed he was okay,” Thuku wrote in a brief update shared on Wednesday evening.
Until Thursday, his whereabouts had been the subject of speculation and growing concern, sparking debate about enforced disappearances, online activism, and state responsibility in Kenya.
Karua, speaking briefly outside the court, called for accountability and transparency. “This is not just about one person it’s about protecting civil liberties,” she said. She also thanked the court for acting swiftly.
Kinyagia, known for his outspoken social media presence, did not address the press. His legal team said he would make a public statement “in due time.”
Justice Mwita did not issue further remarks but indicated the matter would proceed based on submissions from both parties.
As the legal process unfolds, many are now calling for a deeper investigation into the blogger’s disappearance and the conditions surrounding it.
For his mother, though, Thursday’s court session was less about justice and more about joy. “I have my son back,” she whispered through tears.
