Missing activist Muteti Mulinge has been found in the Lukenya area, according to Vocal Africa Director Hussein Khalid, bringing relief to his family, friends and fellow human rights defenders who had been searching for him. Khalid said Muteti was reportedly found at around 3am after allegedly being left in the Lukenya area. According to the statement, the activist walked for a considerable distance before reaching a petrol station, where he encountered a Good Samaritan who assisted him by providing access to a phone.
Muteti is said to have used the phone to contact his brother and inform his family that he had been found. Khalid said Muteti was in a weak and disoriented state and had sustained injuries. He was subsequently taken to Sanel Hospital in Mlolongo, where he was receiving medical attention. His family, friends and fellow activists were also expected to travel to the facility after receiving news of his whereabouts.
Questions Surround Muteti’s Disappearance
The circumstances surrounding Muteti’s disappearance and his eventual discovery in Lukenya remained unclear at the time of his recovery. Details concerning the nature and extent of his injuries had also not been immediately disclosed. Muteti’s disappearance had triggered concern among his family and human rights groups, who sought assistance from authorities to establish his whereabouts.
The matter also moved to court after a petition was filed at the Milimani Law Courts on Thursday seeking orders requiring Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin to provide information concerning Muteti’s whereabouts.
The petition sought, among other orders, disclosure of information relating to any alleged arrest, detention, transfer, release or processing involving the activist. His recovery is now expected to provide investigators and his family with an opportunity to establish what happened during the period he was missing and how he ended up in Lukenya.
