In a dramatic turn of events, four youths who had been abducted in December were released on Monday morning, mere hours before planned protests against forced disappearances were set to take place. However, the whereabouts of Kibet Bull, a prominent cartoonist and activist, remain unknown, leaving his family and human rights activists desperate for answers.
The youths—Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, and Rony Kiplangat—were abducted last month under mysterious circumstances. The families reported that they had been in contact with their loved ones, some of whom were found in different parts of the country.
Billy Mwangi 24, a college student who had been missing for about 15 days, walked back to his Embu home after being abandoned in Nyeri, approximately 60 kilometers away. His family, overwhelmed with relief, shared images online showing Billy embracing relatives at their Majengo home.
Peter Muteti, who had been abducted outside an apartment in Uthiru, Nairobi on December 21 due to his social media posts, was released and found disoriented in Nairobi CBD. His family is now focused on his recovery, as they help him regain his bearings after the harrowing ordeal.
Rony Kiplangat, brother to Kibet Bull was abducted outside a church in Nairobi on December 21, was located in Machakos County, while Bernard Kavuli, who was taken from Ngong, was found in Kitale. However, the whereabouts of Kibet Bull, known for his vocal criticism of the government, remain shrouded in mystery. Kibet’s family confirmed that he is still missing, with no information on his location despite ongoing investigations.
Kibet Bull’s disappearance adds to a growing list of government critics who have been abducted in recent months. Human rights activists are voicing their concerns as the nation grapples with the escalating phenomenon of enforced disappearances.
Kisasa News has learned that Steve Mbisi, another individual reported missing, has yet to be found, adding to the deepening worry among the families of the disappeared.
This wave of abductions comes just as human rights activists are gearing up for a protest to demand justice for victims of forced disappearances. The protest, initially planned to coincide with the release of the youths, is set to spotlight the government’s increasing crackdown on critics.
On Monday morning, a group of elderly mothers gathered along Kimathi Street in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), singing freedom songs in a peaceful protest against the ongoing wave of abductions. Their powerful call for justice and an end to the kidnappings resonated through the streets as they demanded immediate action from authorities to protect the safety of their loved ones. The heartfelt demonstration highlighted the growing concern over abductions in the region and the urgent need for stronger measures to safeguard citizens.
Also Read: Human Rights Activist Sounds Alarm as Body of Missing Man Found Naked by Roadside in Kiambu County
According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, at least 82 cases of abductions have been reported since June of last year, coinciding with mass protests against the Finance Bill. The Commission also revealed that the last quarter of 2024 saw a surge in cases, with December alone accounting for seven abductions.
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Mulele Ingonga, has called on the police to provide an update on the status of investigations into these disappearances by January 1, 2025. As the country faces increasing unrest, citizens are left wondering if the government will finally take action to protect the safety and rights of its people.
During his presidential campaign, President William Ruto made a firm promise to the Kenyan people, vowing that no Kenyan would face abduction or unlawful detention under his leadership. This statement, aimed at reassuring the public, came in the wake of growing concerns over the rising cases of enforced disappearances. As Ruto assumed office, many citizens and human rights advocates closely monitored the government’s actions to ensure that this crucial commitment would be upheld, highlighting the administration’s stance on security and individual freedoms.
Quote from Human Rights Activist: “The release of these four youths is a relief, but the fight is far from over. Kibet Bull’s continued disappearance and the ongoing abductions are a stark reminder that we must keep pushing for justice until all victims are accounted for.”
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