The shocking details of the torture endured by Billy Mwangi, following his abduction and subsequent release, have come to light. Manyatta Member of Parliament (MP) Gitonga Mukunji, who led the efforts demanding Billy’s release, spoke to the media after reuniting with the young man on Monday, January 6.
We thank God that Billy Mwangi has been found alive and unharmed as we had demanded.
— Hon. Gitonga Mukunji MP (@Gitonga_Mukunji) January 6, 2025
I have taken time to visit him in the hospital where he has been admitted for check as a result of trauma.#Formnikujituma pic.twitter.com/ESn1qk9pZR
Mukunji shared harrowing accounts of Mwangi’s captivity, revealing that preliminary reports indicated the young man was subjected to physical abuse during his detention. He was reportedly whipped and confined to a dark room, unable to discern his exact location. This inhumane treatment has left him severely traumatized.
“The preliminary report shows that Billy Mwangi is deeply traumatized. He was whipped and kept in a dark room, in an unknown location,” Mukunji stated. “While we were celebrating Christmas, this young man was locked away, isolated from his family. He was given only one meal a day, carefully rationed to break his spirit.”
Condemning the abduction as an unprovoked act of violence, Mukunji pledged to push for legislative changes to strengthen the protection of Kenyan citizens. He vowed to ensure that no Kenyan would endure such an ordeal again.
“Billy must be the last person to go through this. We will seek to amend our laws to ensure swift government action when any Kenyan is subjected to such violence. The government must act immediately to protect us all,” Mukunji emphasized.
The MP also reaffirmed that Kenyans would not tolerate lawlessness or violations of basic rights. “The law is clear on how individuals who break it should be treated, and because Billy has not been charged with any crime, it is clear that those behind his abduction sought to instill fear. But we are stronger, and we will fight this injustice together,” Mukunji declared.
Billy’s father, Gerald Karicha, also shared his emotional relief in a media interview, expressing gratitude for his son’s safe return. “Billy came home around 8 am. We were outside when we saw him walking towards us. We thank God and everyone who supported us during this difficult time,” Karicha said on Monday afternoon.
Also read: Four Abducted Youths Released Hours Before Planned Protest as Concern Mounts Over Missing Kibet Bull
Billy’s abduction on December 21, 2024, sparked widespread concern, with his family launching public pleas for his safe return. His father had even appeared in court on December 31, 2024, after a habeas corpus order was issued to compel authorities to present the six abducted individuals. In an emotional testimony, Karicha recounted how his son was forcibly taken by armed men while awaiting a routine shave.
Billy was eventually released after 16 days in captivity, returning to his home in Embu on January 6. He had disappeared after posting AI-generated images of President William Ruto online. Billy was among four abductees released ahead of the #EndAbductionsKE protests. However, two others, including cartoonist Kibet Bull and Steve Mbisi, remain missing.
Thank you everyone🇰🇪
— Billy Mwangi (@Psychosins2) January 6, 2025
You are true heroes
Comrades at Nairobi CBD, we are with you
They might have set me some steps back but my come back is stronger
Lets lobby for the release of Kibet Bull – Yoko✊ pic.twitter.com/OuJZ3Y9hsd
In a heartfelt message shared on his X account, Billy Mwangi expressed his heartfelt gratitude to CNN reporter Larry Madowo and his friends on X for their unwavering support during his ordeal. He thanked his supporters, expressing his appreciation for the unwavering strength of his comrades. He wrote, “Thank you everyone 🇰🇪 You are true heroes. Comrades at Nairobi CBD, we are with you. While they might have set me some steps back, my comeback is stronger.”
Mwangi also used the platform to advocate for the release of Kibet Bull, known as Yoko, urging his followers to join the cause. “Let’s lobby for the release of Kibet Bull – Yoko,” he added, calling for unity and collective action to support their shared mission.
Mwangi’s words resonate as a message of resilience and solidarity, with many rallying behind his call for justice and the release of Kibet Bull.
The chilling details of Billy Mwangi’s abduction and the ongoing fight for justice serve as a powerful reminder of the need for stronger legal protections for all Kenyans.
Follow Kisasa News WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates.
