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Five young Kenyans abducted in December 2024 were reunited with their families on Monday, January 6, 2025, bringing both relief and renewed calls for accountability. The families of Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, and Rony Kiplangat confirmed the safe return of their loved ones, though questions linger about the circumstances surrounding their releases. While Mwangi and Muteti reunited with their families in person, others remain scarred by their ordeals.
The abductees were released in different locations across the country. Rony Kiplangat, who had been abducted in Nairobi, was discovered in Machakos County, while Bernard Kavuli, taken from Ngong, was found in Kitale. Peter Muteti, found disoriented in Nairobi’s Central Business District, is currently recuperating at home. Meanwhile, Billy Mwangi’s family expressed relief following his safe return, although they remained unclear about the details of his release.
Popular cartoonist Kibet Bull, another victim, confirmed his release through a post on X (formerly Twitter). In his tweet, Kibet narrated his bizarre ordeal: “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 6AM when I went to book a ticket.”
Despite the relief of some families, the case of Steve Mbisi remains unresolved. Mbisi, also reported missing under similar circumstances, has yet to be located, leaving his family in anguish. They continue to plead for information about his whereabouts, joining the growing chorus of voices demanding action from the government.
The abductions, allegedly targeting critics of President William Ruto’s administration, have sparked widespread condemnation. Rights groups and political analysts have raised concerns about the shrinking democratic space in Kenya, where dissent is increasingly met with harsh reprisals. Advocacy groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have documented an alarming trend of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial actions tied to political dissent.
Lawmakers Demand Action
On Tuesday, a coalition of legislators called for the formation of an independent public commission of inquiry to investigate the abductions and broader allegations of state capture. Speaking in Nairobi, Kajiado Senator Seki Lenku Ole Kanar, representing the group of six senators and 19 MPs, said, “These developments threaten the safety, dignity, and democratic rights of every Kenyan citizen.”
The lawmakers accused security forces of being co-opted for political purposes, citing incidents of intimidation and persecution of dissenters. They pointed to specific events, such as the chaotic funeral in Limuru, Kiambu County, on November 28, and a tear-gas attack in Shamata, Nyandarua County, on December 28, as evidence of politicisation within the police force.
The group also raised alarms about the resurgence of criminal gangs, including the infamous Mungiki, allegedly being used to intimidate citizens. They demanded an investigation into the links between these gangs and state operatives, as well as a broader inquiry into land grabbing and misuse of public resources. Among the cases cited were Ngurunga Farm in Kiambu, Gikumari in Ruiru, and Nakuru Memorial Hospital, which they claimed were part of a larger scheme to exploit public trust for personal gain.
The abductions and the alleged misuse of state resources have further fueled public concern about governance and security in the country. The legislators called for special sessions in the National Assembly, Senate, and county assemblies to deliberate on these issues. They emphasized the need for a transparent investigation to restore public trust and safeguard Kenya’s democratic ideals.
For now, as the families of the freed abductees celebrate their return, the nation grapples with unanswered questions about the safety of its citizens and the role of its institutions. The case of Steve Mbisi and the plight of other critics remain stark reminders of the need for accountability in a democratic society.
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