Gideon Kibet, popularly known as Kibet Bull, has been released after being abducted by individuals suspected to be state agents.
The renowned visual artist confirmed his release through a post on his X account early Monday morning, marking his first social media activity since December 2024.
Kibet revealed that he was dropped off in Luanda Town, Vihiga County, between 3-4 AM on January 6, 2025. Stranded and unsure of where to seek refuge, he recounted finding solace in a Disco Matanga—a late-night village gathering—before booking a ticket home.
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> “They dropped me in Luanda Vihiga at 3-4 AM Leo (today). Sikuwa najua (I didn’t know) where to enter or book a room,” he shared. “Kidogo form ya (Gradually the plan for) Disco Matanga came in, danced mpaka (until) 6 AM when I went to book a ticket.”
Human Rights Groups Demand Accountability
Hussein Khalid, Executive Director of VOCAL Africa, noted that Kibet’s sister had confirmed his release. Khalid emphasized the urgency of securing the release of all abductees, describing Kibet Bull as the fifth individual freed in recent days.
> “Our team at VOCAL Africa has confirmed Kibet Bull’s release. According to his sister Mercy, he is heading home. This marks the fifth abductee released today. We continue to push for the release of all.”
The release follows the confirmation by the National Police Service (NPS) that four other abducted individuals—Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, and Ronny Kiplangat (Kibet’s brother)—were freed earlier the same day.
Authorities Respond
In a statement issued on Monday, NPS Spokesperson Resila Onyango disclosed that Kavuli, who was reported missing at Ngong’ Police Station, is now assisting investigators. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has taken over the cases, with a team dispatched to investigate the circumstances surrounding the abductions and releases.
The NPS emphasized that several cases of missing persons remain under active investigation, with some already before the courts.
Missing Persons Still at Large
Despite these developments, the whereabouts of other individuals, including Steve Mbisi, remain unknown. Human rights organizations have intensified calls for transparency and justice, urging authorities to expedite investigations and hold those responsible accountable.
The wave of abductions has raised serious concerns over the safety of activists, journalists, and artists in Kenya, as advocacy groups continue to pressure the government for action.
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