A Nandi politician who disappeared while on a morning jog more than a month ago has been found alive in Uganda, bringing a dramatic twist to a saga that has gripped the Rift Valley. Shadrack Maritim, an aspirant for the Tinderet parliamentary seat, was discovered near the border town of Mbale under mysterious circumstances.

His reappearance answers the desperate question of his whereabouts but opens a troubling new chapter on how and why he vanished. Maritim, who disappeared from his Eldoret home on October 27, reportedly contacted his family on Tuesday night, claiming his abductors had abandoned him. This development comes just a week after his family filed a High Court petition demanding the state produce him, alleging his disappearance was an abduction linked to political threats.

A Deepening Political Mystery

The case is more than a missing person's report; it strikes at the heart of political safety and the conduct of state officers. Maritim's family had pointed fingers at a senior police official, alleging a history of threats. This is not the first time the politician has gone missing; a previous abduction in 2021 was attributed to political rivalry, creating a pattern that has alarmed rights groups.

The response in his home turf of Tinderet was swift and angry. Supporters took to the streets demanding answers, leading to clashes with police who used teargas to disperse the crowds. The incumbent area MP, Julius Melly, had publicly urged security agencies to intensify their investigation, reflecting the high stakes involved in the disappearance of a political contender.

Court Demands Answers

The discovery in Uganda does not close the case. On the contrary, the High Court has insisted on getting to the bottom of the matter. Key questions remain unanswered:

• Who was behind the disappearance?
• What happened to Maritim during the weeks he was missing?
• Why was he left specifically in Uganda?

The family's lawyer, Kibe Mungai, noted a worrying trend of missing Kenyans reappearing near the Uganda border just before court hearings on their cases. He argued forcefully that the petition in court would proceed. The judge has directed Maritim to provide a detailed, firsthand account of his ordeal, with the matter set to be mentioned again on December 10.

As Maritim prepares to return to Kenya for medical checks and questioning, the nation watches. His testimony could have significant repercussions, potentially exposing a dark intersection of politics and security operations, a reality that leaves many Kenyans feeling vulnerable as the 2027 General Election cycle begins to warm up.