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The disappearance of more than 80 government critics over the last six months has sparked widespread public outrage in Kenya, prompting fears of a return to the country’s dark history of state-sponsored abductions. A judge has issued a stern warning to top security officials, threatening imprisonment if they fail to appear in court on Monday to account for these alleged kidnappings.
The crisis has been linked to documented disappearances reported by Kenya’s National Commission on Human Rights following nationwide protests against proposed tax hikes that began last June. At least 24 people are still missing, despite repeated denials by the police and government of any involvement in illegal detentions.
The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, and Directorate of Criminal Investigations Director, Mohamed Amin, have been ordered to produce in court seven social media influencers who vanished in December. Five of them resurfaced in early January across different locations, adding fuel to public outrage. Among them is Billy Mwangi, a 24-year-old college student and vocal government critic on social media.
Billy disappeared on December 21, 2024, while at a barbershop in Embu, central Kenya. Witnesses reported seeing hooded men arrive in vehicles, forcibly abducting him and speeding off. His father, Gerald Mwangi Karicha, described his son’s traumatized state after being released 75 kilometers from his hometown in an apparent act of intimidation.
“He looked to be in shock,” Gerald said. “Billy has not shared much about his ordeal.”
Billy’s family endured weeks of agonizing uncertainty. His mother collapsed upon hearing news of the abduction. Although relieved by his release, the family says Billy is still recovering from the trauma. Like many others who have resurfaced after alleged abductions, Billy has remained reticent, likely out of fear.
The silence surrounding these cases is not unique. Jamil and Aslam Longton, who were held captive for 32 days, also kept quiet initially after being warned they would be killed if they went to the media. Three months later, emboldened by a government official’s acknowledgment of their case as a “lawful arrest,” they spoke out.
“The constitution is clear— you should be taken to court within 24 hours. We were held for 32 days without legal representation or family contact. That was not an arrest; it was abduction,” said Jamil.
The brothers recounted being hooded, handcuffed, and held in dark cells. Aslam was regularly beaten as his captors demanded information about who was funding protests against tax hikes in Kitengela.
Despite mounting evidence and survivor testimonies, government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura continues to deny state involvement. “Organized security may also be part of organized crime,” he said, suggesting political opponents were using the issue to settle scores.
Even government minister Justin Muturi revealed that his son was picked up by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and only released after he personally appealed to President William Ruto. Despite public outcry, Mwaura maintained that Ruto, who has promised to end the abductions, does not sanction any form of unlawful detentions.
Many Kenyans are distressed by the resurgence of such incidents, reminiscent of the authoritarian rule under Daniel arap Moi in the 1980s and 1990s. Activist Gitobu Imanyara, who campaigned for multi-party politics in the early 1990s, believes these abductions mirror Moi’s tactics. However, he noted that modern Kenya has stronger accountability mechanisms and a more outspoken public.
“The democratic space has expanded, and social media ensures the word spreads instantly,” Imanyara said.
Despite recent police investigations, no charges have been filed against any perpetrators. Several advocacy groups have petitioned the attorney general to refer the cases to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
For families of the still-missing, the nightmare drags on. “We are so depressed and devastated,” said Stacey Mutua, whose brother Steve Mbisi is among the seven who disappeared in December. “We pray he’ll be found.”