Billy Mwangi freed
Five Kenyan men, including a popular cartoonist, who were abducted before the Christmas holidays, have been found alive, sparking relief and public outrage.

Below is a summary of what each abductee shared after their release:

1. Bernard Kavuli

  • Social Media Posts:
    • "I'm FREE, safe, and sound. Thank you PATRIOTS for your unwavering support & LOVE. We must not STOP tweeting. We can't be safe until EVERYONE is safe."
    • "For EVERYONE who has been born of God overcomes the WORLD, and this is the VICTORY that has overcome the world—our FAITH."
  • Current Status: Kavuli, a content creator, expressed gratitude for public support and urged continued efforts to secure the release of others still missing.

Bernard Kavuli

2. Billy Mwangi

  • Social Media Posts:
    • "Received several DMs asking me what happened. Be patient, we'll have an interview with Larry. Let's first fight for Kibet Bull."
    • "Thank you so much for all your wishes. Everything is fine. I’m coming back stronger."
    • "Once I’m fine, I’ll be unearthing all snitches on this app. For now, let’s lobby for the release of Kibet Bull."
  • Current Status: Mwangi, a student, hinted at future revelations and emphasized his recovery while rallying support for others still missing.

Billy Mwangi

3. Kibet Bull (Yoko)

  • Social Media Posts:
    • "Nimeamka nafuraha sana. Just want to thank you all, starting from Larry Madowo, TL elder, and everyone who used the hashtag or said anything about our release. May you all never lack."
    • "They dropped me in Luanda, Vihiga, at 3-4 AM. I didn’t know where to go. Kidogo form ya Disco Matanga came in. I danced until 6 AM before booking a ticket."
    • "Tukiamka tunashukuru Mungu. Kuona a new day is such a blessing. Good morning my country people."
  • Current Status: Bull, a renowned cartoonist, was released in Vihiga County and shared his relief and gratitude while humorously recounting how he coped immediately after his release.


4. Peter Muteti

  • Family Statement:
    • “Peter has been released. He is currently with family. He is quite disoriented and not able to talk or give interviews at the moment.”
  • Current Status: Muteti was abducted in Nairobi on December 21. His family confirmed he was safe but emotionally shaken and unable to speak about his ordeal.


5. Ronny Kiplangat

  • Family Statement (via Larry Madowo):
    • "Ronny was abducted in Kikuyu but was dropped off at 3 AM in Machakos and given fare to get home."
  • Current Status: Kiplangat, the brother of Kibet Bull, was released early in the morning and managed to return home safely.


Background

The wave of abductions, widely believed to be orchestrated by security agents, has been linked to criticism of President William Ruto’s administration.

While the government denies involvement, activists and rights groups continue to demand accountability with at least 24 people still missing.

Kenyans remain determined to pressure the government to act, while President Ruto’s promise to end abductions faces increasing skepticism.