A Mombasa family has appealed for help from the government and the public to find their lost kin, John Musuu, who disappeared in mysterious circumstances on Wednesday, just after he was released from jail.
Mumo Musuu, who is the victim’s brother through Haki Africa, a Mombasa based civil organization said that Musuu, 30- year-old Boda boda rider, was acquitted of robbery with violence charges at the Mombasa Law Courts and just after he was set free, it is alleged that he was re-arrested.
“We have searched for him in all nearby police stations but in vain, up to date, his whereabouts are still unknown yet I saw him being re-arrested after acquittal of the charges,” Mumo claims.
According to the organization’s Rapid Response Officer, Mathius Shipeta, Haki Africa is currently handling seven cases of missing persons that have been reported this year only.
However, there are some other successful cases of those who had disappeared being found. These include Wakili Mohammed Farid and Hamisi Madilo in Mombasa, and Cynthia Swabrina of Kwale.
Last year, Shipeta said the organization received more than 30 cases of forced disappearances which have been tracked down with both success and failures.
He therefore appealed to the investigative bodies to assist and help find missing John who is a husband and a father of one.
“Cases of forced disappearance have become rampant in the Coast region, although we have successfully tracked some with the help of the authorities, others remain to be futile,” said the Officer.
“We have looked for him in police stations, mortuaries and hospitals in vain, our only wish is for the government to help us find our brother, dead or alive, guilty or innocent, please help us,” the victim’s relatives through the sister, Mrs Agnes Musuu, appealed.
Ms Musuu said that although his brother was linked to an M-pesa theft case in 2016, he was arrested but later freed which proves his innocence.
She further called on the media and civil organizations to highlight the case of their brother nationally to help find him.
By Chari Suche
