Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji has condemned the abduction and mistreatment of Billy Mwangi, who endured captivity for 16 days. Armed men abducted Mwangi on December 21, 2024, and he reunited with his family on January 6, 2025.
Speaking to the press after visiting Mwangi’s home, Mukunji detailed the suffering the young man faced during his captivity. “They confined Billy in a dark room and whipped him. While we celebrated Christmas, he remained locked away in an unknown location,” Mukunji said.
Tears of joy as Billy Mwangi reunites with his family.Photo courtesy.
The abductors also deprived Mwangi of adequate food. “They fed him one meal a day, rationed to weaken him,” the MP revealed. He decried the rising cases of abductions targeting young Kenyans critical of the government.
Gerald Karicha, Mwangi’s father, described the emotional moment his son returned. “Billy walked into the compound at around 8 a.m. We were outside with his mother when we saw him. It was a huge relief,” Karicha said.
Mukunji linked the abduction to Mwangi’s vocal criticism of the government on social media. “Billy committed no crime, which shows his captors only sought to intimidate him and silence dissent,” he stated.
The MP criticised the authorities for their inaction and pledged to push for legislative reforms. “We need to strengthen our laws to protect citizens from such ordeals. Billy’s suffering must never happen again,” he asserted.
Mwangi’s case mirrors other incidents from December 2024, where six vocal Kenyans were abducted. While Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, and Rony Kiplangat have returned home, one victim, Gideon Kibet, remains missing.
Kibet’s disappearance has left his family in anguish, with human rights activists demanding urgent government action. Mukunji urged leaders to unite in the fight against intimidation and uphold citizens’ rights. “We cannot let fear dominate. Leaders must act boldly and protect the people,” he said.
He called for thorough investigations to hold the perpetrators accountable. “If we don’t address this, more citizens will suffer. We must send a clear message that such violations have no place in our society,” Mukunji emphasized.
Billy’s family expressed gratitude for his return but appealed for the safe recovery of other missing individuals. This incident has sparked discussions about the need for stricter security measures and respect for the rule of law.
Human rights groups and politicians have joined the public in condemning the abductions. They continue to pressure the government to protect freedom of expression and ensure citizens’ safety.
Mukunji pledged to fight for justice and accountability. “Billy’s ordeal highlights a deeper issue in our country. We must safeguard the innocent and uphold justice,” he said.
Billy’s release brought relief to his family but raised concerns about freedom and security in Kenya. The government must act swiftly to restore public trust and address these growing fears.