Blogger and IT professional Ndiangui Kinyagia has approached the High Court seeking the release of electronic gadgets and travel documents that have been in the possession of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for almost four months.
Appearing before Justice Lawrence Mugambi at the Milimani Constitutional and Human Rights Division on Tuesday, Kinyagia, through his lawyer, explained that two laptops, two mobile phones, two passports, and an international vaccination card were taken during a raid on his Kinoo residence on June 21, 2025.
He said the devices are central to his work and that the continued withholding of his passports has restricted his ability to travel and manage international assignments.
"The items seized from my client's home are his work tools. As an IT expert, he depends on them for his livelihood. Furthermore, he cannot travel for business since the DCI is still holding his passport and vaccination card," his lawyer stated.
In a certificate of urgency submitted on September 18, 2025, Kinyagia requests court orders directing the DCI to return the confiscated items.
He also seeks an injunction preventing the DCI, Inspector-General of Police, Director of Public Prosecutions, and Attorney General from intimidating, following, or harassing him in any manner.
The blogger is further asking the court to issue conservatory orders that would stop the DPP from initiating criminal proceedings linked to a contentious post allegedly made from his compromised X (formerly Twitter) account, until the conclusion of the case.
This comes after Justice Chacha Mwita, on September 16, 2025, declined a similar request filed by Kinyagia’s lead counsel, Senior Counsel Martha Karua.
Justice Mwita observed that there was no reason to block investigators from carrying out their duties, noting that Kinyagia had cooperated fully and recorded the necessary statements.
"The police have no authority or reason to frustrate or torture anyone, including the second petitioner. They must adhere to the constitutional standards of human rights under Article 244 and the National Police Service Act," Justice Mwita emphasized. He also assured that any future intimidation or harassment reported to the court would be addressed promptly.
The matter is scheduled for mention on November 10, 2025, to give directions and set a date for the ruling.