In yet another case of kidnapping in the nation, a family in Ngong, Kajiado County is living in fear after their relative, 24-year-old Benard Kavuli, was taken at a petrol station in Ngong town by four armed men on Sunday evening.
Kavuli’s kidnapping is associated with his social media activities, particularly recent posts on his X platform criticizing the government and addressing issues related to the 2007 post-election violence experienced in the country.
The fourth-year Journalism student at Mount Kenya University (MKU) was among X users who participated in discussions about the events of the 2007 PEV.
At a Petrol Station in Ngong Town, the footage shows Benard Kavuli’s final moments before being taken.
CCTV footage from the petrol station recorded a white probox arriving, with Kavuli walking beside it, unaware that its occupants were set to abruptly end his journey to his sister’s shop.
In mere seconds, he was seized by two men, forced into the vehicle, which then sped away towards Nairobi.
“I last spoke to him on Sunday around 6:40 PM. I called him from home to come to Ngong, and he agreed. When it was 7 PM and I still couldn’t find him, I grew worried,” stated Kavuli’s sister, Mary Kavuli.
She mentioned trying to contact him, but his phone had been turned off. At that point, Mary sensed imminent danger and alerted family and friends, who confirmed reports of a kidnapping incident in Ngong town.
“We couldn’t sleep that night. Early the next morning, we went to Rubis, where we were told it was him. We visited the DCI, who asked us to come and review the CCTV footage,” Mary added.
Scola Mwende, Kavuli’s other sister, noted that the area OCS was notified of the incident, mentioning that the car’s license plate was KCA 379R.
“We have been in despair since Sunday. We don’t know who took him; we cannot celebrate Christmas. Our mother has fallen ill due to this situation,” said Scola.
Kavuli’s kidnapping occurred a day after Peter Muteti and Billy Mwangi were also abducted in a similar manner by four armed men in Uthiru and Embu, respectively.
The two have been missing since their abduction on Saturday. Exclusive CCTV footage recorded two men taking Muteti while he was paying for items at a supermarket in Uthiru.
The 22-year-old has yet to be located.
The abductions have been denounced by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo, who criticized the police for committing injustices against Kenyans that violate human rights.
LSK has urged that police officers refrain from the absurd, oppressive tactics displayed in 2024, as Odhiambo has called for the immediate release of those kidnapped or for them to be brought to court to face charges if any exist.
