Tinderet parliamentary hopeful Shadrack Maritim, who had been reported missing after leaving his home for a morning jog, has resurfaced in Mbale, Uganda.
His disappearance, which sparked public concern, had previously been linked to National Police Service Commission (NPSC) Chief Executive Officer Peter Leley, whom Maritim’s family accused of issuing threats. In a WhatsApp message cited by the family, Leley allegedly warned Maritim that he would “show him hajui” if he continued criticising him.
Before he resurfaced, Maritim’s family had filed a petition seeking answers on what they described as an abduction. On Wednesday, the High Court was informed that Maritim contacted relatives on Tuesday night, claiming his abductors abandoned him near Mbale. According to family lawyer Kibe Mungai, Maritim sounded distressed during the call.
The matter will now be mentioned on December 10, 2025. The court also directed Mungai to file a detailed affidavit outlining the circumstances surrounding the politician’s disappearance and alleged abduction.
“The petition won’t stop just because he has been released. We will pursue this to its logical conclusion,” Mungai said.
While the State Law Office acknowledged the government’s interest in uncovering the truth, it argued the petition had lost relevance since Maritim had resurfaced. However, the family’s legal team insisted that broader issues remained unresolved.
Maritim went missing on October 27 after leaving his home in Unity Gardens Estate, Eldoret. His family maintained that he had received threats in 2023 from the NPSC CEO, whom they suspect played a role in the incident.
