Faith Odhiambo, the President of the Law Society of Kenya, recently spoke out about a troubling situation involving the disappearance and death of individuals in Mlolongo.
On Thursday, 30th January, she criticized the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, for their handling of the case.
She questioned how they could deny allegations about the missing individuals when one of them, Justus Mutumwa, was later found dead in Ruai.
Odhiambo described the situation as puzzling and expressed deep concern over the lack of transparency in how the authorities handled the information about Mutumwa’s death.
Odhiambo pointed out that the circumstances surrounding the case raised serious questions. She wondered how the Inspector General of Police and the DCI could claim to have no knowledge of the missing individuals when fingerprints had been taken and the identity of Justus Mutumwa had been confirmed.
She suggested that either the DCI and the Inspector General were not communicating with each other or they lacked proper control over their respective agencies within the National Police Service.
This lack of coordination, she argued, not only undermines public trust but also raises concerns about the accountability of the government and the competency of its working agencies.
The case gained attention after reports revealed that Justus Mutumwa, one of the missing individuals, was found dead, and his body was taken to the government for identification.
Lawyer Maanzo broke the news, stating that authorities had conducted fingerprint tests and confirmed Mutumwa’s identity.
Despite this, the delayed revelation of his death and the initial denial of the missing persons’ allegations by the police have left many questioning the efficiency and transparency of the investigative process.
Odhiambo’s criticism highlights a broader issue within the National Police Service. Her remarks suggest that the lack of coordination between key agencies not only hampers the resolution of critical cases but also erodes public confidence in the government’s ability to protect its citizens.
She emphasized that such incidents demand accountability and a thorough review of how law enforcement agencies operate.
The case of the missing Mlolongo individuals, particularly the tragic death of Justus Mutumwa, serves as a stark reminder of the need for transparency, communication, and effective leadership within the police force to ensure justice and maintain public trust.
