- Peter Muteti, Rony Kiplagat, Gedio Kibet, alias Kibet Bull, Billy Mwangi, and Bernard Kavuli were released by their captors today.
- Steven Kavingo Mbisi, taken from his house in Mlolongo by two masked men, is still missing
- The police have promised to provide support and expedite investigations.
Its been close to a month since several young Kenyans critical of the government were abducted by individuals believed to be officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI). However, both the police and the DCI have refuted claims of their involvement in the abduction of Ruto’s dissent.
On Monday, January 6th, 2025, some of the abductees were dropped off in separate locations amid the planned demonstrations in Nairobi and a couple of other counties to call for their immediate release and an end to forced disappearances.
Gideon Kibet, alias Yoko or Kibet Bull on the popular social media platform X (formerly Twitter), is the 5th abductee to have been released today. He was dropped off in the early morning of Monday in Luanda, Vihiga County.
“They dropped me in Luanda Vihiga at 3-4 AM, Leo. Sikuwa najua where to enter or book a room. Kidogo form ya Disco Matanga came in, danced mpaka 6 AM when I went to book a ticket,” Gideon Kibet, one of the abductees posted on X.
Larry Madowo, the CNN correspondent who has been covering the spate of abductions in Kenya, also confirmed that Kibet is indeed free and is in contact with the family.
“BREAKING: Cartoonist Gideon Kibet Bull is the 5th Kenyan government critic released today after getting abducted on Christmas Eve. I’ve spoken to him and confirmed that he is free. He has also been in contact with his family,” said Larry Madowo, CNN correspondent.
Five other Abdudees who were released today include Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, and Rony Kiplagat. Kibet’s brother, who’s having a low presence on social media and is not known to be critical of the government, was abducted on December 21, 2024, and was also released today.
However, one abductee is still missing: 34-year-old Steven Kavingo Mbisi, who also went missing on December 17th, 2024. He was taken from his house in Mlolongo by two masked men and has been missing since then.
The National Police Service also confirmed the release of the abductees and offered them and their families the necessary support, including assisting in investigating the matter.
“Following the recent reports that Billy Wnayiri Mwangi, Peter Muteti, and Rony Kiplagat, who were reported missing in Embu Police Station, Kabete Police Station, and Thogoto Police Post, respectively, have re-united with their respective families, we wish to assure the public that our officer will reach out to them and their families and give them all the necessary support as we seek further information to assist ongoing investigation,” a statement from Dr. Resila Onyango, National Police Service Spokesperson,.
The police have also confirmed that the DCI is actively investigating all the cases of the reported missing persons in the country.
“Notably, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations is investigating all cases of missing persons in the country, with some of the cases currently pending before court and others under active investigation.”
The recent spate of abductions has sparked a public outcry and condemnation from beyond the border. Human rights activists and a section of Kenyans also held a second demonstration today, both in Nairobi and other parts of the country, demanding the release of abductees and an end to forced disappearances.
Despite being peaceful, they were unfortunately met with a fierce police response, and some were arrested. It’s been more than two weeks since President Ruto vowed to end forced disappearance. Politicians close to him have also alleged that those missing abducted themselves, refuting the claim that the government is involved.
