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The release of four young Kenyans abducted in December 2024 has brought relief to their families, but human rights lawyer and former Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara insists that more must be done to address what he describes as a growing menace.

Imanyara has welcomed the news of the release of some abducted youths but emphasized the need for more action to address the issue.

In a post on X on Monday January 6, 2025, following the release of four abductees, Imanyara called for an independent public inquiry, stating that nothing less would satisfy a nation growing increasingly restless over the blatant breach of the rule of law by the perpetrators.

“Breaking news that some of the abducted youths have been released is welcome but much more is required if we have to stop the callous breach of the rule of law by the perpetrators. An independent public inquiry is essential. Nothing less will satisfy a restless nation,” Imanyara said in a statement.

The released

The four individuals, Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, and Rony Kiplangat, were reunited with their families on Monday after being held for weeks under circumstances widely believed to involve state operatives.

Billy Mwangi and Peter Muteti have physically reunited with their families, with Muteti was found in Nairobi’s Central Business District. His family says he is disoriented and recovering at home.

Rony Kiplangat, abducted in Nairobi, was discovered in Machakos County.

Bernard Kavuli, taken from Ngong, was located in Kitale.

The circumstances surrounding their captivity remain unclear, and no official explanation has been provided by authorities.

Still missing

While the return of these individuals is a welcome development, families of others who remain missing continue to live in agony.

Among them is Kibet Bull, a cartoonist whose fate remains unknown.

His family reported that his brother, Rony Kiplangat, who was also abducted, has been in contact, but they have yet to receive any news about Kibet.

Additionally, Steve Mbisi, another reported abductee, is still unaccounted for, leaving his family and friends desperate for answers.

The wave of abductions, which many believe is tied to social media posts critical of President William Ruto’s government, has sparked outrage across the country.

Activists and human rights organizations have pointed to an alarming trend of enforced disappearances targeting dissenting voices.

Imanyara’s call for an independent public inquiry echoes demands from activists who argue that without accountability, the cycle of fear and impunity will continue.

The abductions are part of a troubling pattern that has seen many young Kenyans, particularly from the Gen-Z demographic, disappear in recent months.

Since the beginning of Gen Z protests in June 2024, at least 82 people are believed to have gone missing at the hands of what is believed to be government agents.

On December 30, 2024, activists organized a protest demanding the release of six individuals who were abducted in quick succession, including Muteti and Mwangi.