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Five young Kenyan men, including renowned cartoonist Kibet Bull, have been found alive after disappearing shortly before Christmas, their families and rights groups confirmed. The disappearances are part of a broader wave of abductions targeting government critics, which rights groups attribute to security agents, though authorities have denied involvement.
Kenya has been gripped by anxiety as over 80 people have reportedly been abducted in the past six months, according to a state-funded rights organization. The trend intensified in December after AI-generated images of President William Ruto in a coffin circulated online.
The protests, led by youth angered by proposed tax hikes, forced President Ruto to withdraw the measures, significantly undermining his government’s authority. Critics of the administration, including artists like Kibet Bull, were increasingly targeted.
Kibet Bull’s Dramatic Release
Kibet Bull, known for his viral silhouette cartoon memes critical of the president, announced his release on Monday via social media, where he has 105,000 followers. He revealed he was dropped off in Luanda, nearly 370 km (229 miles) from Nairobi, where he was last seen in December.
His release was met with celebration, including from his mother, who said she rejoiced upon hearing her son’s voice.
Ordeals of Other Released Men
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Billy Mwangi: The 24-year-old student was found in Embu, central Kenya, after being whipped and beaten while held in a dark room, his local MP said. Traumatised, he has been admitted to a hospital and is unable to discuss his experience.
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Peter Muteti: The 22-year-old was reunited with his family on Monday but remains disoriented and has not spoken about his ordeal.
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Bernard Kavuli: A content creator, Kavuli presented himself at a police station after being released.
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Ronny Kiplangat: The brother of Kibet Bull, Kiplangat was also freed, his family confirmed.
Two of the men had reportedly posted AI-generated images of the president before their abduction.
Mounting Pressure on Authorities
Amnesty International Kenya welcomed the releases but urged the government to free all remaining abductees and hold those responsible accountable. At least 24 individuals are still missing.
The Law Society of Kenya has filed a legal case against the state, demanding the release of seven individuals abducted last month. Families, activists, and lawyers continue to push for justice, with protests planned to increase pressure on the government.
Government Denial and Public Outcry
Despite mounting evidence, including CCTV footage showing plainclothes men conducting the abductions, police have denied responsibility. President Ruto, addressing the uproar last month, promised to “stop the abductions so that our youth can live peacefully and have discipline,” while urging parents to guide their children.
On Monday, police acknowledged the release of some abductees, stating that investigations into all missing person cases were ongoing.
Lingering Fear and Uncertainty
The wave of abductions has left Kenyans fearful, particularly parents concerned for their children. Activists vow to maintain pressure until every missing person is accounted for, as the nation grapples with the chilling implications of these targeted disappearances.
