Embu, Kenya – Tension gripped Embu town on Friday, December 27, as residents took to the streets in protest against the alleged kidnapping of Billy Mwangi, a 24-year-old local reportedly abducted six days ago by masked men believed to be police officers.
Witnesses claim Mwangi was taken from a barber shop by four armed individuals driving a double-cabin pickup. The town was brought to a standstill as residents lit fires and blocked roads, forcing businesses to close. Demonstrators carried placards with messages like “No peace without Billy Mwangi,” demanding his immediate release.
Mwangi’s disappearance has garnered national attention, with speculation that his abduction could be linked to a post he shared on X (formerly Twitter). The post, featuring an AI-generated image portraying President William Ruto unfavorably, may have made him a target.
Rising Tide of Abductions
Mwangi’s case is part of a concerning trend, with reports indicating six other youths have been abducted this month after posting critical content about President Ruto and his administration. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) revealed that 82 abductions have been reported since June, with 29 victims still missing.
Despite these alarming figures, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the National Police Service (NPS) have denied any involvement, leaving the identities and motives of the abductors unclear.
Related Story: Martha Karua: Squad Behind Kenyan Abductions Reports Directly to President Ruto
Outcry from Political and Legal Leaders
NARC-Kenya leader Martha Karua has accused President Ruto of orchestrating the abductions, alleging the existence of a covert “killer gang” involving foreign and local operatives. Speaking on Citizen TV, Karua said, “Only the Head of State could lead such an operation… Ruto knows who these abductors are.”
In response to the rising cases, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) announced plans to pursue legal action. LSK President Faith Odhiambo urged families of missing individuals to document and share details of the abductions. She outlined a three-pronged strategy: comprehensive documentation, legal proceedings, and advocacy at national and international forums to seek justice.
Calls for Accountability
The growing number of unresolved abductions has fueled widespread fear and anger. Embu residents have vowed to continue their protests until Billy Mwangi is safely returned. The escalating situation underscores the urgent need for accountability and action to address the troubling trend of enforced disappearances in Kenya.
This developing story highlights the intensifying demand for justice, transparency, and protection of fundamental human rights in the country.
