Five young Kenyans who had been missing were reunited with their families yesterday, returning home visibly shaken and traumatized after enduring harrowing experiences in unknown locations. Their arrival brought immense relief and emotional reunions with parents, relatives, and friends as the news of their safe return spread across the community.
Among those who returned were Billy Mwangi, Ronny Kiplangat, his brother and cartoonist Gideon Kibet Bull, Peter Muteti, and Bernard Kavuli. Their families, who had been anxiously searching and enduring emotional courtroom battles, expressed deep gratitude for their safe recovery. For weeks, they had clung to hope, praying for their loved ones’ return even as the festive season passed in sorrow.
The individuals reappeared on Monday morning in different locations, prompting police to call on the public for assistance in locating others who remain missing. Police Spokesperson Resila Onyango confirmed Kavuli’s reappearance, noting he had reported to Moi’s Bridge police station and was now aiding ongoing investigations. She also assured the public that police would continue to support the individuals and gather additional information for their cases.
Billy Mwangi, a 24-year-old college student and blogger, had been missing since December 21, 2024, after being abducted by masked individuals from a barbershop in Embu town. His ordeal lasted 15 days. Upon his return early Monday, Mwangi was visibly distressed and was taken to Frevane Private Hospital for medical evaluation.
His family and friends from Majengo, Embu, welcomed him with tears of joy and traditional songs. His mother, Regina Wairimu, recalled the emotional moment she heard her son calling out to her after two agonizing weeks apart.
Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, who visited Mwangi, described him as disoriented and deeply traumatized. Mwangi had reportedly endured physical abuse, starvation, and confinement during his captivity. Preliminary reports suggest he was dropped unconscious at his father’s gate on Monday morning. His family has chosen to focus on his recovery, withholding further details about his ordeal for now.
In another case, lawyer Shadrack Wambui confirmed that Bernard Kavuli, who had been abducted on December 22 in Ngong, was found abandoned in Kitale and facilitated back home by police. Wambui emphasized the importance of understanding the events surrounding Kavuli’s abduction and vowed to pursue legal action against those responsible. He also highlighted the role of public pressure and legal directives in securing the release of abductees.
Similarly, Ronny Kiplangat, who went missing from Kikuyu SDA Church in late December, was found in Machakos. His pastor reported that Kiplangat appeared physically weak and emotionally shaken, unable to share details of his 10-day ordeal. Young professionals and activists gathered at the SDA Church to condemn the abductions, calling them an assault on democratic principles and personal freedoms.
Activist Morara Kebaso criticized the government for failing to address the abductions, arguing that such incidents undermine public safety and democratic rights. He called for accountability, suggesting that the Inspector General of Police step down if unable to handle the situation.
The final returnee, Peter Muteti, 22, who had been abducted on December 21 in Uthiru, was found alive in Nairobi’s Central Business District. His family expressed immense gratitude as they welcomed him back home.
The unfolding stories of these young individuals have drawn attention to the growing concern over enforced disappearances, sparking calls for justice, accountability, and the safeguarding of citizens’ rights in Kenya.
