G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
In a significant development amid growing public outcry, five missing Kenyan youths, including a popular cartoonist known for his satirical memes, have been found alive after weeks in captivity. The mysterious disappearances, which have shaken the nation, are widely suspected to be the work of security forces targeting government critics. However, Kenyan authorities have consistently denied any involvement in the abductions, which have instilled fear across the country and triggered calls for accountability.
The wave of abductions began in June last year during nationwide protests against a proposed tax hike by President William Ruto's government. The situation escalated in December when AI-generated images depicting the president in a coffin went viral, intensifying the backlash against the government. Rights groups report that more than 80 people have been abducted in the past six months, with victims often taken by men in plain clothes and whisked away to undisclosed locations.
One of the most notable figures to be released is Kibet Bull, a social media content creator known for his silhouette cartoon memes that frequently criticize the government. His disappearance in December sparked widespread concern, with his online followers demanding his safe return. On Monday, Bull announced his release via a post on X (formerly Twitter), where he has a following of over 105,000. According to his post, he was dropped off in Luanda, approximately 370 kilometers from Nairobi, where he was last seen.
Bull’s mother expressed her relief upon learning of her son’s return. Speaking to the BBC, she described the emotional phone call they shared, saying that she immediately recognized his voice and celebrated his return. Bull’s lighthearted comment that he went straight to a disco after his release highlights the resilience of Kenya’s youth in the face of such adversity.
Other freed individuals include 24-year-old student Billy Mwangi, who was found in Embu, a region in central Kenya. His father revealed that Mwangi had been subjected to severe beatings and was left traumatized by the ordeal. Mwangi’s release brought a mix of relief and sorrow to his family, as his father had broken down in court just days earlier, pleading for his son’s freedom. Despite being reunited with his loved ones, Mwangi remains unable to discuss the details of his abduction and has been taken to a hospital for medical care.
Another abductee, 22-year-old Peter Muteti, was also found disoriented and unable to speak about his experience after being reunited with his family. Amnesty International Kenya welcomed the release of the abductees and urged the government to ensure the safe return of all those still missing.
The Kenyan police, who have previously denied any involvement in the abductions, acknowledged the release of several individuals and stated that investigations into the cases were ongoing. They confirmed that one of the freed men, Bernard Kavuli, had voluntarily presented himself at a police station.
Rights groups and concerned citizens have linked the abductions to a covert intelligence and counter-terrorism unit operating within the Kenyan security forces. Although President Ruto addressed the issue last month, pledging to end the disappearances, activists remain skeptical about the government’s commitment to holding those responsible accountable.
Public pressure continues to mount, with parents worried about the safety of their children and human rights organizations demanding justice. The Law Society of Kenya has filed a legal case against the government, calling for the immediate release of all missing persons. While the recent releases offer a glimmer of hope, at least 24 individuals are still unaccounted for, leaving families across the nation in a state of distress.
The ongoing abductions have deeply unsettled Kenya, affecting the country’s social fabric and raising concerns about state-sponsored human rights violations. Activists have vowed to keep up the pressure on the government until all missing individuals are returned home safely. The growing movement underscores the power of civic engagement in holding authorities accountable and ensuring that fundamental human rights are upheld.
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