The High Court has directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to immediately remove photographs and statements identifying three businessmen as suspects in an alleged land forgery case.
In orders issued on December 18, 2025, the court barred the DCI from publishing or circulating the images on its social media platforms or through any other media channels.
Businessmen Challenge Criminal Label
The three businessmen moved to court seeking conservatory orders restraining the DCI, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), and other respondents from publishing their images or issuing statements portraying them as criminal suspects.
They argued that such actions were unconstitutional, unlawful, and prejudicial, contending that they had been publicly branded criminals despite no criminal charges being preferred against them.
According to court documents, the dispute involves ownership of land claimed by Mombasa Cement Limited and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) against the petitioners.
The businessmen maintain that the matter was purely civil in nature and has already been conclusively determined by the courts.
The petitioners further told the court that the ownership dispute had been settled by the Court of Appeal, with the decision subsequently affirmed by the Supreme Court, effectively bringing the matter to a close.
Despite these final rulings, they accuse investigative and prosecutorial agencies of improperly escalating the dispute into criminal investigations, a move they argue violates their constitutional rights, including the presumption of innocence and protection from unfair administrative action.
Next Steps
The High Court’s orders restraining the publication of the businessmen’s images and statements will remain in effect pending further directions when the case comes up on March 11, 2026.
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