Nandi politician Shadrack Maritim, who had been reported missing since October, resurfaced in Eldoret and was immediately taken for medical assessment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH).
Maritim was handed over to Kenyan police at the Busia border after being found in Mbale, Uganda, and was later driven to Eldoret by a team from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
He was taken to Eldoret Central Police Station, where Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi confirmed that investigations into the matter were ongoing.
“He has been found, and our investigations are now in top gear to establish what exactly happened to him,” Mwanthi said.
Maritim was booked at the police station as “found” before being taken to MTRH for medical attention.
His family lawyer, Frankline Kipkorir, said that although Maritim was alive, he required treatment.
“He has been taken for medication, after which the family will provide more details,” Kipkorir said.
Maritim went missing on October 27 after leaving for a morning walk and was found on November 1, marking 35 days since his disappearance.
The circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain unclear. Police and the family have not disclosed how he was located. Mwanthi added that Maritim would later provide a statement.
Earlier, Maritim’s Nairobi-based lawyer, Kibe Mungai, told the High Court in Eldoret that Maritim contacted his relatives on Tuesday night, saying he had been abandoned near Mbale.
“He sounded frightened and disoriented during the call,” Mungai said.
According to court records, Maritim had reported to Mbale Police Station. Mungai told the court that Maritim had faced threats before his disappearance.
Mungai also said he would coordinate with Maritim to set a date for the mention of the petition filed on his behalf.
The opposing counsel argued that the petition had been overtaken by events since Maritim had been found.
Mungai countered that the matter should still be pursued to address broader concerns about the safety of citizens facing political intimidation.
“An emerging pattern of missing Kenyans mysteriously appearing near the Uganda border ahead of habeas corpus hearings is troubling. His appearance does not close the matter,” Mungai said.
The High Court in Eldoret has scheduled the matter for mention on December 10, 2025, directing Mungai to file a detailed affidavit outlining the circumstances of Maritim’s alleged abduction and disappearance.
The court emphasised the need for petitioners to update it on Maritim’s current status.
Maritim’s family had filed the petition a week before his reappearance, seeking clarification on his disappearance.
The case has drawn attention from human rights advocates and political observers, highlighting concerns over the safety of politicians and citizens in border areas.
