Protect me, I fear for my life - Blogger Ndiang’ui to court

Blogger Ndiang’ui Kinyagia has pleaded with the High Court to protect him from possible arrest, claiming that he fears for his life.

During a court session on Thursday, Ndiang'ui stood up and addressed Justice Chacha Mwita directly, requesting that the court extend the protection orders previously granted in the case.

"I request the court to extend the orders barring my arrest by the police," Ndiang’ui said, drawing the court’s attention to what he described as genuine fears for his safety if state agents apprehend him.

The request came in the wake of his reappearance after weeks of alleged disappearance.

His plea came shortly after he requested to testify on what transpired during his absence, and the court issued fresh directions requiring him to file an affidavit within 14 days detailing the events.

However, the court was quick to temper his expectations.

Justice Mwita reminded the blogger that while the court had issued temporary conservatory orders to protect the integrity of the petition, the protection is not absolute.

The judge emphasised that should any lawful investigation reveal that Ndiang’ui has committed a crime, he will be subject to due process and possible arrest.

“You are reminded that the orders in place do not shield you from lawful arrest should there be valid grounds. The rule of law still applies,” Mwita said.

The Law Society of Kenya, which had previously represented Ndiang’ui, formally withdrew from the case, leaving him unrepresented.

Justice Mwita gave him 14 days to appoint an advocate of his choice and file an affidavit explaining what he knows, noting that both the court and the public deserve to know the truth.

The respondents and prosecution had opposed any adjournment, urging that the petition proceed without delay.

The case will be mentioned on September 16, 2025, when the court will assess compliance with its directions and chart the next steps