Photo Credit:Reuters
Relief and celebration swept across Kenya as five young men, including a popular cartoonist, were found alive after going missing just before Christmas. Their disappearance had sparked public outrage and highlighted a growing wave of abductions targeting government critics.
Among those released was Kibet Bull, a satirical cartoonist known for his memes criticizing President William Ruto. Announcing his release on social media, Kibet revealed that he had been dropped off in the town of Luanda, far from Nairobi, where he was last seen. His mother, overjoyed by the news, said, “I screamed and celebrated when I heard his voice.”
The other men—including student Billy Mwangi and content creator Bernard Kavuli—returned home with harrowing stories of their ordeals. Mwangi’s father reported that his son had been beaten and was traumatized, while Kavuli sought refuge at a police station. Rights groups believe these abductions are linked to a shadowy intelligence unit, despite government denials.
The disappearances began during anti-tax protests last year and intensified after AI-generated images of President Ruto in a coffin circulated online. Although President Ruto recently pledged to end abductions, over 24 people remain missing. Amnesty International Kenya has called for accountability, urging authorities to hold perpetrators responsible.
Meanwhile, activists continue to demand justice. The Law Society of Kenya has filed a legal case against the state, seeking the immediate release of those still detained. As families celebrate the return of their loved ones, the nation remains gripped by fear and uncertainty, with many hoping this marks the beginning of meaningful reforms.
The other men—including student Billy Mwangi and content creator Bernard Kavuli—returned home with harrowing stories of their ordeals. Mwangi’s father reported that his son had been beaten and was traumatized, while Kavuli sought refuge at a police station. Rights groups believe these abductions are linked to a shadowy intelligence unit, despite government denials.
The disappearances began during anti-tax protests last year and intensified after AI-generated images of President Ruto in a coffin circulated online. Although President Ruto recently pledged to end abductions, over 24 people remain missing. Amnesty International Kenya has called for accountability, urging authorities to hold perpetrators responsible.
Meanwhile, activists continue to demand justice. The Law Society of Kenya has filed a legal case against the state, seeking the immediate release of those still detained. As families celebrate the return of their loved ones, the nation remains gripped by fear and uncertainty, with many hoping this marks the beginning of meaningful reforms.
