Human rights activist Boniface Mulinge Muteti was found alive after four days missing.
Human rights activist Boniface Mulinge Muteti has been found alive in Machakos County. His discovery comes four days after he disappeared in Nairobi’s Central Business District.
Vocal Africa Chief Executive Officer Hussein Khalid said individuals believed to have been holding Muteti left him in Lukenya at about 3 a.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026.
Good Samaritans later rushed him to Sanel Hospital in Mlolongo. Doctors are currently treating him there.
In an update on his official Instagram page, Khalid described Muteti as injured, weak and disoriented.
His discovery followed days of concern from relatives, activists and human rights organisations. They had repeatedly demanded answers about his whereabouts.
Help at a petrol station
Khalid said Muteti walked a considerable distance after the alleged captors left him in Lukenya.
He eventually arrived at a Shell petrol station. A Good Samaritan helped him access a phone and contact his brother.
His family and fellow activists quickly arranged medical care. They later took him to hospital for treatment.
Relatives, friends and human rights defenders have since visited him. He remains under medical observation.
Khalid did not identify the individuals who allegedly held Muteti. He also did not explain where the activist spent the four days he was missing.
As a result, many questions about the incident remain unanswered.
Disappearance after Nairobi protests
Muteti disappeared on Monday, September 21, after reportedly attending demonstrations in Nairobi.
The protesters had gathered to demand the release of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye.
Reports indicate that Muteti later left the main group and went to a cybercafe.
He intended to print a petition for submission to the police.
Shortly afterwards, he sent a message saying authorities had arrested him.
His phone then became unreachable. Family members and fellow activists could no longer contact him.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission and Vocal Africa called for his immediate release. They also urged authorities to explain his whereabouts.
His relatives reported the disappearance at Nairobi’s Central Police Station.
Court application sought answers
On Thursday, September 24, fellow activist Francis Awino filed an urgent application at the Milimani Law Courts.
He sought orders compelling the police and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to produce Muteti in court or explain where he was.
Muteti resurfaced hours after the court application was filed.
Police have not publicly responded to allegations surrounding his disappearance.
Authorities have also not confirmed claims that officers arrested or abducted him.
The case has renewed concerns among civil society groups. Many continue to raise questions about alleged abductions and enforced disappearances involving activists and government critics in Kenya.
Investigators are still working to establish what happened. Questions remain about who held Muteti and where he spent the four days before his rescue.
