Shadrack Maritim Resurfaces in Uganda After Two-Month Disappearance

Tinderet parliamentary aspirant Shadrack Maritim has resurfaced in Mbale, Uganda, two months after he left his home in Eldoret for a morning jog and disappeared.

Maritim vanished on October 27, shortly after leaving his house in Unity Gardens Estate.

His family immediately suspected foul play and pointed to threats he allegedly received in 2023 from a senior police officer.

In a WhatsApp message shared in court, the officer reportedly warned Maritim that he would “show him hajui” if he continued criticizing him.

On Tuesday night, Maritim contacted his relatives and said his abductors had abandoned him near Mbale.

According to the family’s lawyer, Kibe Mungai, Maritim sounded frightened during the call. When he returned to Eldoret, he recorded a statement with the police.

The High Court had been hearing a petition from Maritim’s family, who asked authorities to explain what they believed was an abduction.

During Wednesday’s session, the court received updates about his return and directed lawyer Mungai to file a detailed affidavit on the circumstances surrounding the disappearance.

Mungai insisted that Maritim’s reappearance does not close the case.

He highlighted what he called an emerging pattern of Kenyans disappearing and later resurfacing near the Uganda border just before habeas corpus hearings.

The State Law Office acknowledged the government’s interest in establishing the truth but argued that Maritim’s return changes the nature of the petition.

The family, however, insists many questions remain unanswered and wants the investigation to continue.

Several similar cases of Kenyans disappearing and later reappearing have been reported in recent months, raising concerns among human rights groups and legislators.

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