Three investigative agencies were on Friday directed by the High Court to conduct parallel and independent investigations into the disappearance of four missing men from Mathare.
The four were allegedly abducted two months ago.
Justice Alexander Muteti ruled that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) should continue with their investigations despite the ongoing habeas corpus proceedings filed by relatives of the missing men.
Justice Muteti declined an invitation by IPOA and KNHCR to declare sections 26 of the IPOA Act and Section 30 of the KNHRC Act unconstitutional.
Justice Muteti said the court can only be moved through a substantive petition.
"I concur with Senior Counsel Paul Nyamondi that the two sections 26 and 30 of IPOA and KNHCR can only be declared unconstitutional through substantive petitions," ruled Justice Muteti.
The court directed the three agencies to independently pursue their respective investigations into the disappearances and inform the court on the progress.
On witness protection, the court directed that the matter be heard in-camera.
A representative of the Witness Protection Agency (WPA) appeared before the court and applied for the proceedings to be conducted privately to safeguard the witnesses.
The judge directed the matter to be heard in camera following an application by the WPA.
